Swine deaths not linked to bird flu

Bhopal, Mar 23 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government today clarified that about 900 swine died in the state in February and March but this had absolutely no connection with avian influenza though pigs were bird flu virus carriers.

Commissioner (Veterinary Services) Rajesh Rajora said here, ''No avian influenza virus was detected in the swine and the pathogen normally does not kill pigs. The swine fatalities include natural deaths. Post mortem revealed nephritis, pneumonia and swine fever.'' (Eds: Pl pick up suitably from earlier series.) UNI PKJ-AC VD DB1906