Bird flu outbreak in Assam

The Assam Govt confirmed the outbreak of Bird Flu at Hajo in Kamrup (rural) district and has started the culling operation. Hajo is 45 km away from Guwahati, reports HT Correspondent.

The Assam government on Friday confirmed the outbreak of Bird Flu at Hajo in Kamrup (rural) district and has started the culling operation. Hajo is 45 km away from the state capital.

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The Kamrup district administration and State Veterinary College acted as soon as reports of unnatural death of 324 poultry, since November 21, came in from Thakuria Chuba of Rajabazar village under Hajo revenue circle.

Samples of dead birds have been sent to Bhopal-based High Security Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (HSADL). HSALD has confirmed the presence of the deadly virus.

Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Rural), R.C. Jain said the district administration has banned the sale of poultry and sounded a general health alert in 20 villages under the Hajo revenue circle.

“Today we have started the culling operation. Altogether 20 villages would be covered under the operation,” said Jain. He added that the poultry farmers whose fowls were culled would get compensation.

Similar cases of death of domesticated fowls have been reported from Sarpara village under Palasbari revenue circle in the district.

Meghalaya on alert

After Assam’s declaration, Meghalaya on Friday sounded an alert to prevent outbreak of the disease in the state. State’s veterinary officials had a meeting to assess the preparedness and adopt measures to prevent the disease from spreading to the state.