MP steps up vigil to contain bird flu

Bhopal, Mar 28 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Government has stepped up vigilance in five districts to prevent the spread of bird flu after the virus was being detected in one poultry sample from Ichhapur in Burhanpur district today.

Culling of around 6,000 birds in the Burhanpur district, adjoining Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, will begin tomorrow.

Animal Husbandry Minister Ramakant Tiwari and Animal Husbandry Principal Secretary Ranjana Choudhary told reporters here today that the Centre had constituted a three-member team of doctors to aid the state government in combating the virus.

The team had reached the affected area. Besides, a team led by Veterinary Services Commissioner Rajesh Rajora was already at Burhanpur.

Ms Choudhary said Badwani, Balaghat, Seoni, Khargone and Chhindwara had been identified as sensitive areas and directions had been issued to keep a tight vigil in these areas.

She said production and sale of poultry products had been banned in 23 villages near the affected area, while about 20 large pits sunk for eventual disposing of culled poultry.

The government has fixed Rs 40 per boiler, Rs 30 per layer and Rs 10 per chick as compensation for culling.

Mr Tiwari said precautionary steps was being taken with combat teams in every district being placed after the dreaded virus surfaced in the state.

He said samples of birds found dead in villages of Burhanpur district between March 15 and March 22 were sent to the state capital-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory. One of the samples tested positive.

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