May 3, 2007

Bird flu continues to take its toll in Bangladesh

More than 3,000 chickens have died of bird flu at a government poultry farm in the western district of Jessore, authorities said.

Officials have also culled more than 10,000 chickens overnight. 

Culled chickens and ducks were buried immediately and bio-safety measures were implemented.

Bird flu is spreading in Bangladesh despite efforts of local governments and a UN team sent there weeks ago. The current spate of bird flu was believed to have originated in Bangladesh.

Sale of chicken, ducks and eggs has been banned in the area.

About 98,000 chickens in 38 farms have been culled since the start of the current outbreak.