Bird flu fear in West Bengal

West Bengal has sent a bird sample to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal after death of thousands of poultry birds was reported from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts over the past one week.

New Delhi, Jan 14 : West Bengal has sent a bird sample to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal after death of thousands of poultry birds was reported from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts over the past one week.

Report from the laboratory is likely to be received by late night today or tomorrow.

"The State and Central governments are in constant touch and teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to take necessary steps to contain the disease," a government release said.

As a precautionary measure, trade in poultry bird in the two districts have been restricted, besides limiting the movement of birds in and out of these districts.

"Till the report from HSADL, Bhopal is received, it cannot be said whether mortality of poultry birds has been due to Avian Influenza or some other disease," the release said.

"In case it is found to be due to the bird flu virus, immediate steps as per the standard action plan will be carried out," the release added.

Meanwhile, necessary logistics are being put in place to be in readiness for any eventuality.

ANI