The Hindu : Front Page : 4.25 lakh birds culled in Assam

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Sunday, Dec 21, 2008
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4.25 lakh birds culled in Assam

The bird-flu virus has struck 120 villages in seven districts; strict vigil in other districts

— PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

Destined to perish: Thousands of chicks are abandoned in hatcheries in Guwahati on Saturday due to the bird flu. The sale and purchase of poultry products have been banned throughout the north east.

GUWAHATI: Culling operations in four bird-flu affected districts of Assam continued on Saturday with more than 4.25 lakh birds exterminated so far.

The H5N1 virus has struck 120 villages in seven districts and the State government disbursed Rs. 1,27,85,216 as compensation to the poultry farmers, official sources said.

The government has decided to set up an expert committee to take appropriate measures to prevent similar outbreak among the avian population in future.

The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department along with the district authorities launched cleanliness drive and awareness campaign in the affected districts.

The department was also maintaining a strict vigil in other districts with the authorities directed to alert any unusual death among the avian population.

The State forest department has also directed forest personnel to monitor the migratory birds visiting the State during winter.

The seven districts affected by the avian flu are Barpeta, Chirang, Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon, Kamrup (rural), Kamrup (metro) and Nalbari with culling already completed in the last three districts. — PTI

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