December 29, 2008

Bird flu spreads to new areas in northeast India

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) officials said on Friday (Dec 26) that the bird flu virus was spreading to new areas in Assam.

An Assam government spokesman said the bird flu virus was confirmed in about 15 more villages and the authorities have ordered culling of an estimated 70,000 birds.

An AHVD official said about 150 villages in eight Assam districts were hit by bird flu so far.

The new bird flu cases were reported from the districts of Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup (Rural), Baksa, Bongaigaon and Nagaon.

Culling operations in newly affected areas have already begun, while in some places the drive is almost complete.

Rapid Response Teams have already slaughtered about 510,000 chickens and ducks since November 27.

Authorities have banned sale and consumption of poultry and poultry products in most parts of Assam.