Bird flu has been confirmed in two districts of West Bengal following the tests conducted on poultry found dead in Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal on January 11. The samples were examined by the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal. | |
| "One sample each from Birbhum and South Dinajpur has been found positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus," said a government release. |
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| According to the initial assessment of the state government, approximately 35,525 poultry in 102 villages of Birbhum district and 288 poultry in one state poultry farm in South Dinajpur district have died in the last seven days. |
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| The outbreak appears to be localised to a few blocks in Birbhum and one farm in South Dinajpur, added the release. There is no report of unusual mortality or sickness in the neighbouring areas of the state. |
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| The Union animal husbandry department has advised the state government to seal the border with neighbouring countries and also the affected areas to prevent movement of animals across these borders. The state government has set up 60 rapid response teams for implementing the action plan in affected areas. |
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| The Union government has also asked West Bengal to provide compensation to affected farmers and provided necessary funds for the purpose. |
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