Fresh Bird Flu confirmed in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, March 19: The Malda district administration would start culling birds in the district in the next 48 hours. The decision was taken following reports that blood samples sent to Bhopal for tests have tested positive for Avian flu.The district administration received instructions from the state authorities this evening to cull birds within a radius of 3 km from the epicentre. “The animal resource development officials will have to cull at least 15,000 birds at the state poultry farm. Over 1000 birds have died from Avian Flu since Wednesday,” said the Malda SDO, Mrs Arunima De. She further said: “The state government has instructed to stop sale of birds and poultry products in the affected zone. We would announce it publicly for precautionary measure.” The news has upset poultry traders, who were expecting a roaring business during Holi.After receiving information from ARD the Malda district magistrate Mr CR Das held a preparatory meeting for culling operation last night. The administration has informed the English Bazaar and Old Malda municipalities of the development.It is the second outbreak of Avian Flu in the district within a few months. The Malda SDO today held a meeting with the deputy director of ARD in Malda to estimate the population of birds in urban and rural areas. “We are listing the areas identified as Bird Flu affected zone within a radius of 3 to 5 km from the epicentre,” said the Malda SDO.