Jharkhand seals border to prevent entry of poultry

Ranchi, Feb 24 (UNI) Jharkhand government has sealed its border with neighbouring states to stop import of chickens following reports of death of birds in different parts of the state.

The decision was taken at a review meeting last evening, presided over by Chief Minister Arjun Munda, and attended by, among others, Chief Secretary A K Mandal and officials of Institute of Animal Health and Production.

According to an official spokesman, the Chief Minister directed the officials to submit a list of registered and unregistered poultry farms within two days.

Mr Munda asked the officials to ensure that all poultry farms were issued licences and monitor the situation on a day-to-day basis.

Over 300 chickens died of unknown disease in Itkhori village of Chatra district recently. The cause of the death was under investigation, official sources said.

UNI SCS SG/SRC1041