Click to play videoBirbhum/New Delhi: It's official now, the country's third epidemic of bird flu after Manipur and Maharashtra has struck West Bengal. The Union Health Ministry has confirmed the presence of the dreaded H5N1 avian flu virus in Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal.
“Culling of birds will begin on Wednesday in the two districts of Dinajpur and Birbhum,” Union Health Secretary Naresh Dayal confirmed.
Almost four lakh birds will be culled in the two districts with a vast majority of them in Birbhum. Meanwhile, Bengal’s Animal Husbandry Minister Anisur Rahman said that compensation will be paid to the villagers.
Even though no human beings have been infected so far, villagers have been advised to take precaution and avoid contact with the birds. A health check up of residents will also kick off on Wednesday.
Organised poultry firms say there is not much to worry about as West Bengal does not export much poultry.
“Bengal is a deficient area and a lot of eggs and products are exported to West Bengal from other parts of the country and none are imported from Bengal. Thus, the other parts of country need not worry of the bird flu spread,” Chairperson of National Egg Coordination Committee Anuradha Desai said.
Borders of the two affected districts are under watch and no bird traffic will be let through. The state's border with Bangladesh will also see increased surveillance to prevent any poultry coming in from the eastern neighbour.
(With inputs from Mrinal Sarkar in Birbhum)
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
