Bengal suspects flu came from Bangladesh

While confirming reports of bird flu in 11 districts of West Bengal, covering 38 blocks and four municipalities, the West Bengal health department officials today hinted the possible contamination of the disease from Bangladesh.

Speaking at a press conference on bird flu, Anisur Rahman, animal husbandry minister of West Bengal, said for the last nine-ten months there were reports of bird flu from about 26 districts of Bangladesh.

On being asked about reasons behind the bird flu outbreak in West Bengal, the minister said prompt action by the state government to contain bird flu would not have been possible if the state had not taken preparatory measures to handle the situation before the outbreak of the disease.

About two months ago, a joint survey by the Central and state government representatives was carried out on the India-Bangladesh border to assess the situation, the minister informed.

Also, more than 3,000 samples were examined from the area for the detection of bird flu.

"However, we should have been more prepared for bird flu outbreak through backyard farms," he said.

Meanwhile, the state has beefed-up vigilance on areas adjoining Kolkata so that, no birds from the bird flu affected areas enter the state. Nearly 14 organised poultry farms have been identified for supplying chicken and eggs to Kolkata, he said.

Surjya Kanta Mishra, health and family welfare minister of West Bengal said, the state would urge the Centre to set up a bird flu testing laboratory in Kolkata.

The 11 bird flu-affected districts are Birbhum, South Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan, Bankura, Malda, Coochbehar, Hooghly, Purulia and Howrah.

The culling operation will terminate tomorrow, with a target of culling 22 lakh birds.

Nearly 17 human samples have been collected for examination from the districts of South Dinajpur, Birbhum and Murshidabad, said Rahman.

No human cases of bird flu has been detected as yet.