As per latest information received, a total mortality of 61,075 poultry birds has been reported from Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal, India.
Fresh cases of mortality have also been reported from the Khargram and Burwan blocks of Murshidabad district, which are adjoining the affected areas of the Birbhum district. Similalry, a fresh mortality of 347 poultry birds has also happened in the Gangarampur block in the Dakshin Dinajpur district.
As per telephonic message received from the Govt. of West Bengal today, there are reports of unusual mortality in Terhatta block of Nadia district, Kalna block of Bardhaman district and Baruipur village of South-24 Pargana district. Except for a mortality of 40 poultry birds reports from the Baruipur village, figures in respect of the other two blocks are not yet available. These deaths are being investigated by the State. Action is also being taken to collect samples and take them to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal.
Active surveillance is being undertaken in the affected areas of West Bengal.
A total of 58 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are carrying out culling operations in the Birbhum district and 26 RRTs in the Dakshin Dinajpur district. In these operations, a total of 11225 poultry birds were culled and 5877 number of eggs and 1218 kg. of poultry feed destroyed.
Samples collected from the Murshidabad district and further samples collected from various affected blocks of the Birbhum district have been sent to the HSADL, Bhopal.
The State Government has been requested to ensure effective functioning of the culling teams and payment of compensation on-the-spot.
Animal Husbandry Commissioner, who is the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Government of India is also being sent to the affected areas to assess the situation.
The situation is monitored at the top levels in Government of India on a daily basis. Centre has assured all assistance to the State in terms of expertise, equipment and funds.
Source: Press Information Bureau, India