The Department of Agriculture and Food Security through Livestock Division in Quthing is currently undertaking a one week surveillance on Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flue, the event that will continue until Friday this week.

The Districts Veterinary Officer Dr. Mokelabai Mundia says the surveillance is carried out in seven agricultural resource centres of the district to confirm that the district is free from the bird flue.

He says the surveillance is undertaken by extracting blood from chicken in the areas of Makoae, Mphaki, Tele, Koali, Central, Tlatlametsi and Dalewe which he said have been randomly selected.

Dr. Mundia therefore appeals for community cooperation so that the excersice would become a success.

He states that bird flue is an airborne disease that infects chicken and birds, saying that its symptoms include weight loss, cough and loss of appetite. He added that the disease could also be transmitted to people and livestock, and cost their lives.

A similar surveillance will also be undertaken in the districts of Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha's neck.

SOURCE: LENA