Chick deaths trigger Bird flu scare in Salem

Salem, Tamil Nadu, Mar 18 (UNI) The mysterious death of around 40 chickens triggered a bird flu scare here today.

As the news of the death of chickens spread, the town was agog with rumours that they had died due to bird flu.

The rumours gained credence because Namakkal, the largest egg production town in India, is situated barely 50 km from Salem town.

The chickens belonged to a poultry farm at Manakadu.

In a swift action, the District Collector rushed to the spot and ordered vets to conduct post-mortem on the dead birds.

However, the reports revealed that the birds had not died due to bird flu infection, but due to consumption of rat poison thrown in the garbage.

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