Cullling operation begins in places near Rourkela

Culling operation began in villages adjoining Rourkela today after blood samples of chicken from the area tested positive for bird flu (H5N1) virus amid protest by some locals, officials said.
"Culling of birds has been ordered as we have received confirmation about presence of the avian influenza virus," District Collector, Sundargarh, B S Punia said.
He said five teams have been formed for undertaking the operation within one KM radius from Kacharu village opposite river Koel under Kuanrmunda block, which is considered as the epicentre of the H5N1 virus.
"There would be no compromise as far as culling is concerned and in case of opposition we will see what can be done," Punia said.

Residents of Kacharu, Pasara, Rampur and Sialjore villages had reported about chicken death recently that led to the test of blood samples of chickens and sounding of an alert in the area.
The administration met with protest at Khariatola and Chataktola, where the villagers objected to culling. There are hamlets in the Kacharu village.

"Initially there was some opposition but when we talked to the villagers they finally accepted the drive," ADM, Rourkela Manisha Banerjee, said.
She said 40 persons have been deployed from different state departments to undertake the culling operation while one team is busy in disinfection.
As far as compensation to bird owners is concerned, she said, they are being paid as per the rate fixed by the Union government.

At this moment Rs 135 each is being paid for a duck, Rs 90 for large chicken and Rs 70 for lair, Rs 20 each for chick and Rs 3/per egg.
"We are following the standard operating procedure and
those directly involved in the process are being given Tamiflu as a precautionary measure," Chief District Veterinary Officer Dilip Pattnaik said.
He said the disposal was being done as per the rules prescribed.
The block officials had dug up pits near Bijubandha jungle near Kacharu and Pasara jungles yesterday evening.
"We have already identified the areas where the process will be carried out and it will take us three to four days to complete the activity and we are also keeping an eye on the rest of the areas where there were deaths," Pattnaik said.