New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The Government of India today confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal after sample of dead birds from two districts –Birbhum and South Dinajpur — tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus.
West Bengal had sent the samples of dead birds to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, to find out whether the death of poultry was due to avian influenza.
The laboratory found one sample, each from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts, positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Virus.
“The outbreak of the disease appears to be localised,” a Union Agriculture Ministry release said.
There is no report of unusual mortality or sickness in the neighbouring areas, in the State, it added.
The Center has already deputed officers from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries to advice the State officials.
West Bengal has also been advised to seal the border with neighboring countries and also the affected areas so that there is no movement of animals across the borders.
The State Government has set up 60 rapid response teams for implementation of action plan in the affected areas. These teams are equipped with necessary protective equipments like masks and gloves.
The Center has asked the State Government to provide compensation to the affected farmers, whose birds are being culled, simultaneously when the culling takes place. The Center has also provided funds for the purpose.
According to initial assessment, about 35,525 poultry in 102 villages of Birbhum District’s six blocks and 288 poultry in a poultry farm in South Dinajpur District have died during the last one-week. (ANI)