The outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus H5N1 in West Bengal grants us no space for complacency, and the response to this menace could underline the difference between a country that can pride itself in its crisis management skills and one that remains best characterised as ?functional anarchy?. If mounting an effective assault on the flu requires Indian industry and the Union health ministry to join forces in an unprecedented effort, then that should be done straightaway. This is a serious outbreak that will affect not just the poultry industry. It is potentially hazardous for industries ranging from food processing and hospitality to aviation and tourism. In other words, this is not about egg prices. It is a common ?crisis? that demands common concern, and importantly, one that can be managed through some calm coordination. As with any such situation, the tackling of the problem in itself must not cause a scare. The risk of misinformation wreaking havoc in the affected areas must be kept to a minimum, and all information dissemination vehicles must be asked to adhere to a strict code of responsibility, with proper scientific vetting of anything made public.
So far, things are not going well in West Bengal. Reports of poultry workers having smuggled infected chicken out of the area (to save themselves from losses on account of culling) have done little for public confidence. Nor is it reassuring to hear that quarantine procedures are not being adhered to. The outbreak of bird flu is bound to run up some losses (the last time round, an estimated $15 million was lost in Indian exports alone), but it would be tragic if poor management and sheer desperation drove the bill much higher than need be. Before anything worse happens, it would be a good idea to establish clear and credible lines of communication with all affected poultry farmers and others in a position to make decisions on such matters. Culling requires the cooperation of all those who stand to lose. Flu insurance is estimated to cover less than two million birds in India, mostly in the south. In the northern states, where 60% of India?s poultry chicken originate, the insurance cover is sparse. The onus, therefore, is squarely on the government to assure farmers that their losses would be covered. Sometimes, it is obvious what must come first. Assurance.
