Sikkim government bans import of chicken

Gangtok, May 10 (UNI) The Sikkim government has banned the import of chicken following the death of 2500 chickens at a farm in Silguri.

Sikkim Animal Husbandry Minister Kalawati Subba said, '' Though there are no reports of any bird flu in the state, we do not want to take any chance but ban the import of chicken as a precautionary measure. '' The security personnel posted at checkposts were instructed not to allow import of chickens by any trader into the state, she said.

The state government swung into action after more than two thousand chickens died mysteriously at a poultry farm in Matigara area of Siliguri during the past few days and a panic of avian flu spread in the area.

Sikkim was more concerned as it shares its border with West Bengal and most of its requirements, including chicken, come from Siliguri.

Following the ban, security personnel returned a consignment of 500 chickens from the Rango Check post to Siliguri two days back.

The price of chicken witnessed a marginal rise in the state after the ban.

An employee of Norkhil, a prestigious hotel here, said the suppliers had raised the price of chicken from Rs 75 earlier to Rs 78 per kg now.

'' We now get our supplies from the local farms, '' he said.

However, there was no panic and the customers were consuming chicken as before.

Last year also the Sikkim government had banned the import of chicken for a brief period after the news of avian flu in some areas outside the state were reported.

UNI