Fresh bird deaths in Malda

MALDA, Dec. 25: Fresh chicken deaths were reported from Kaliachak II block yesterday even as the animal resources development department started post culling surveillance in English Bazaar and Old Malda Bird Flu affected villages. Villagers buried more than a dozen dead backyard poultry after reporting the deaths to the vets.

The deputy director, ARD, Malda, Mr N K Shit admitted the death reports but said: “We checked the dead birds, there is nothing unusual.” According to him, post culling surveillance will continue for two months. ARD officials will keep vigilance in four phases fortnightly. Villagers will not be allowed to rear chicks in the affected zones for three months.

The deputy director added that the block level committees would prepare the list of beneficiaries for compensation of Rs 500 per family. “The list of beneficiaries will be forwarded to the government for allotment of funds after approval from the committees,” he added. n SNS