Preventive culling on in Bihar, Jharkhand to check bird flu

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) There has been no report of bird flu from anywhere in the country although preventive culling operation is continuing in Bihar and Jharkhand.

In Assam, the poultry depopulation operation in the identified zone was completed by February 13 while out of three districts in Bihar, culling has been completed in Purnia and Kishanganj districts. In the third district of Katihar, it is likely to be completed by February 20. The preventive culling in Jharkhand started on February 15 in two districts Jamtara and Pakur. The culling was completed in Jamtara district and is expected to commence in Pakur today.

There are no further reports from the HSADL, Bhopal of sample testing positive from any part of the country, including West Bengal. No unusual mortality was reported in West Bengal on February 17, 2008.

The latest report from West Bengal revealed a total of 143 Rapid Response Teams were engaged, including nine for surveillance , mopping and 134 for disinfection and sanitisation.

The cumulative culling of poultry birds stands at 39.05 lakhs. The cumulative figures of eggs and feed destroyed are 14,90,785 and 80,033 kg respectively till yesterday.

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