Chickens culled in Bihar-Bengal border

Patna, Jan 24 (UNI) The Bihar government today ordered the culling of chickens in the areas close to West Bengal following the outbreak of avian flu in that state.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who also holds Animal Husbandry portfolio, told UNI here that the chickens were being culled in Katihar district bordering the worst hit Malda district of Bengal.

He said the chickens in six panchayats of Azamgarh block of Katihar district were being culled and the affected poultry farmers would be suitably compensated as per norms laid by the Centre.

Mr Modi also appealed to the people not to panic and take precautions while consuming chickens and other poultry products.

A team had already been sent to Katihar for reviewing the situation and the government would initiate further steps on the basis of their report, he said.

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