Nearly 95,000 chickens culled in West Bengal
By IANSMonday, January 25, 2010
NEW DELHI - Nearly 95,000 chickens have been culled in bird-flu hit Murshidabad district of West Bengal, officials said here Monday.
“Culling of birds has started and so far 95,493 birds have been culled and 8,888 eggs have been destroyed. Containment measures have been initiated,” a statement issued here said.
The outbreak of avian influenza was notified in Murshidabad district Jan 14. Since then, officials said, two more epicentres have surfaced in the district at Haripur and Ninur. Faridpur village of Burwan block was also notified Jan 17 as avian-flu hit.
The union health ministry has stationed a three-member rapid response team at Murshidabad to monitor the situation and assist the state health authorities.
“Situation is being monitored on a daily basis,” an official said.
Bird flu normally infects only birds and, less commonly, pigs.
Officials said that over 400 poultry workers and veterinary surgeons are involved in the culling operations.
