Death of broilers was not due to bird flu

Chennai, Mar 24 (UNI) The Directorate of Animal Husbandry today said the death of about 500 broiler chicken in Coimbatore was due to starvation and not because of bird flu or any other infectious disease.

Soon after the death of the birds was reported at Thanneerpandal village in Coimbatore district, the Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, along with Animal intelligence unit and special teams, rushed to the spot and examined the dead birds and found that they had died of starvation.

''It was found that about 500 broilers which were seven weeks old, died because of starvation, and not due to bird flu or any other infectious diseases,'' Dr T N Palanivelu, Director Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandy and Veterinary sciences said in a press release here.

He said enquiries revealed that the birds were not provided with the usual feed for the last three weeks. During the past five days, no feed was provided.

''This resulted in pecking and cannibalistic behaviour among the birds and the dead birds had severe injuries. Even internal organs like intestines were hanging out because of pecking injuries,'' he said.

Post-mortem examination has been conducted and samples had been collected and sent for laboratory investigation. All the farms in the area was put under surveillance by the department, Dr Palanivelu added.

He said the department had arranged for supply of feed to the farm to prevent further deaths due to starvation.

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