Statesman News Service
MALDA/NEW DELHI, Dec. 22: A large number of backyard chickens have died at Natunpar and Mandalpara villages under Noorpur gram panchayat in Manikchak block, Malda district since Saturday generating fear of fresh Bird Flu outbreak.
The district administration has instructed the animal resources development (ARD) officials to examine the dead birds and collect blood samples for tests. The block livestock development officer, Mr Chinmay Biswas, who was supervising mopping exercise in Old Malda block today, said vets have reached the spot to examine the birds.
“It is difficult to presume the reason of death till lab tests are conducted. However, according to the vets who have checked the area, the chickens may have died of the disease known as Ranikhet, common among chickens in winter,” he added.
Villagers and panchayat members reported to the Manikchak BDO that at least 150 birds have died in Natunpara, Sheikhpara and Mandalpara villages since Saturday. Fresh bird deaths were reported from several villages in Ratua I, Gazole block a few days ago.
The deputy director of ARD, Malda Mr NK Shit said: “A lot of birds die in winter. A routine surveillance is going on in all 15 blocks of Malda district and we are collecting at least 10 blood samples from each block for laboratory tests in Kolkata.” According to him, 50 samples of such death cases in Malda have tested Bird Flu negative so far.
Meanwhile, mopping exercise continues in the district amidst resistance from villagers. Disinfection work is on in 13 mouzas in English Bazaar and six mouzas in Old Malda block. At Barkol village in Old Malda, the Malda SDO Mr P Pal faced resistance from villagers during supervision of mopping and disinfection exercise today.
Ramadoss
Union health minister Mr Anbumani Ramadoss today reviewed the avian influenza situation in the country following the outbreak of the disease in West Bengal and Assam and asked all state governments to upgrade preparedness to deal with the Bird Flu.
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