The Hindu : Front Page : Bird flu in West Bengal?

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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Bird flu in West Bengal?

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Amid fears that the huge number of deaths of poultry birds in West Bengal is from the avian influenza virus, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Monday sent a team to the affected districts. The Union Health Ministry issued an advisory to the State to implement a plan to contain the infection.

Samples of the dead birds have been sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL). While the final report on confirmation of the H5N1 virus is yet to come, the two-member Central team has been sent to ascertain facts about the reported outbreak.

It will meet the State surveillance officers and the rapid response teams and collect samples.

Sources in the Department of Animal Husbandry here said that as a precautionary measure trading in and movement of poultry birds in the affected districts of Birbhum and South Dinajpur have been restricted.

“Till the final report from HSADL, Bhopal is received, it cannot be said whether mortality of poultry birds has been due to avian influenza or some other disease.

“In case it is found to be due to avian influenza, outbreak of bird flu will be declared. In the meantime, necessary logistics are being put in place to be in readiness for any eventuality,” said official sources.

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