Culling continues in bird flu-hit Assam, West Bengal

Over 480,000 poultry birds have been culled in the bird flu-hit areas of West Bengal and Assam as officials further intensified their awareness campaign to prevent recurrence of the disease in new areas.

A total of 483,726 birds have been culled in West Bengal and Assam, said the animal husbandry department Tuesday. Avian influenza was reported in Assam Nov 27.

There has been no human case of avian influenza, said health ministry officials.

They also said the disease has not spread to newer areas after it was reported Jan 3 in West Bengal's Darjeeling district where culling is on.

"The containment operations are on in the epicentres reported in Darjeeling district. About 290 health workers are conducting active house-to-house surveillance," a statement issued by the health ministry said.

About 772 health workers are deployed for surveillance in the affected areas, they said.

The officials said they have intensified measures to spread awareness about the disease on local television and radio.

Officials are also spreading awareness by interacting with the villagers and through public announcements in the affected areas.

"This is one way of ensuring that bird flu does not spread to new areas," the official said.

(228 Words)*13011511NNNN (IANS)

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