Gov sets a target of two million poultry culling in a week

Kolkata, Jan 21 (UNI) The dreaded Bird Flu continued raging in six West Bengal districts today as the state Government set a new target of culling two million poultry in the next seven days to contain the fast spreading disease.

The six affected districts are Birbhum, South Dinajpur, Bankura, Murshidabad, Bardhaman and Nadia.

''In the next seven days two million birds will be culled with a target of 300,000 per day. The faster the culling will be, more quick will be the eradication of the disease,'' state Health Minister Surjyakanta Mishra told reporters.

Altogether 25 blocks and four municipalities had been affected by Bird Flu, he said.

The Minister, however, said there was no fresh outbreak of Avian Flu today, while no report of the disease affecting humanity had been received so far.

Meanwhile, a 100 member team of experts from Assam arrived here to render their service in the fight against the disease. Official sources said the Orissa government had also offered its help in the effort.

During the day, Union Minister of State for Health Panabakka Laxmi held a meeting with Mr Mishra to assess the steps taken by the state Government to fight the disease.

She said the state Government had asked for some kits and other materials which the Centre would provide as early as possible.

She told reporters that the Centre would extend all possible help to the West Bengal Government to check the disease.

State Animal Husbandry Minister Anisur Rahman said about 200,000 birds had been culled in the state over the past six days, while the number of teams carrying out the operation would be increased to 400 from the present 300.

UNI KDG SJC SHB HT1932