The Hindu : New Delhi News : West Bengal hit by bird flu?

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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New Delhi

West Bengal hit by bird flu?

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Amid fears that the large-scale mortality in poultry birds in West Bengal is from avian influenza virus, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Monday sent a team to the affected districts and the Health Ministry issued an advisory to the State to set in motion an action plan to contain the infection.

Final report yet to come

Samples of the dead birds have been sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) and while the final report confirming the H5N1 is yet to come, the central team has been sent.

The two-member team will ascertain facts about the reported outbreak. It will meet the State surveillance officers and the rapid response teams and collect samples.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry here, as a precautionary measure, trade and movement of poultry birds in the affected districts of Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts have been restricted.“Till the final report from HSADL, Bhopal, is received, it cannot be said whether mortality of poultry birds has been due to Avian Influenza or some other disease.

Avian influenza

In case it is found to be due to avian influenza, outbreak of bird flu would be declared. In the meantime, necessary logistics are being put in place to be in readiness,” said official sources.

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