Samples collected from Banka found positive for bird flu

Culling of birds have been ordered in Barahat block of Banka district after samples were found positive for bird flu, a senior state government official said Saturday.

"So far, we have found samples positive for bird flu from three places- two places in Munger and one in Patna i.e. Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park known as Patna zoo. But today, we received positive result for bird flu from the samples collected from Barahat block of Banka district," Animal and Fish Resources Department's Secretary N Vijayalakshmi told reporters here.

"We immediately sent teams comprising officials and veterinary doctors to Banka. Culling of birds will begin from tomorrow," Vijayalakshmi said.

Around 3-4 crows were found dead at an orchard behind Barahat block of Banka district a week ago, official sources said.

The department has collected samples from various places, including various poultry farms in different districts,she said adding that the department had collected samples from Gorho panchayat under Asarganj block of Munger district on December 19, 2018 which were found positive.

Samples collected from Mubarakchak village under Munger block of Munger district were also found positive, she said adding that "we strictly followed standard protocol in the event of occurrence of avian influenza which is also known as bird flu."