Bengal medicos protest against govt's apathy in checking spread of bird flu

Kolkata/Hoogly, Feb 2 Medical professionals in Kolkata are dissatisfied with the State Government's action to check the spread of bird flu, which has engulfed more than half of the State.

The medicos said that they would submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee highlighting their protest.

"We are fully dissatisfied with the government's delayed programme. The persons (poultry farm owners) affected are in jeopardy. Their economy is in a bad state," said Ashok Samanta, Secretary, Hospital and Public Health Committee, Kolkata.

Meanwhile, veterinary workers in Hoogly District began the third phase of culling operations.

"Five teams are working and 20 more teams will get down to work. The doctors have been working here for quite some time and have an idea of the place. A compensation of Rupees 12 lakh has already been disbursed," said Pradip Roy, an official with the State's Animal Husbandry Department.

The total number of avian influenza-affected districts in the State has gone up to 13 out of the 19 districts, despite culling of birds being taken up on a war footing.

The 5000-crore organised poultry industry in West Bengal has been badly-hit. Since January 15, when the epidemic was officially declared, chicken sales and exports have dipped to an all-time low.

The WHO has called the outbreak the most serious in India.

ANI