- Sunday, December 14, 2008, 0:16
Bird flu outbreak in Assam continues to cover new areas in the region. Blame it on lack of adequate facilities or reluctance of poultry owners, the deadly virus is now in seven districts of Assam. On Saturday, fresh deaths of poultry were reported from across bird flu-hit Assam. The central government is not happy with the actions being taken and has directed the state government to mop up culling operations in three days.
Assam Bird Flu
About 300,000 chickens and ducks have been slaughtered so far in the state since late last month after the virus was detected in poultry near Guwahati. The current culling operations in Assam is being hampered because owners of poultry are angrily denying their birds are sick and that the compensation being offered is below the market value for chickens and ducks. Assam Chief Minister Gogoi says the amount of compensation is being raised.
The H5N1 virus that is causing Bird Flu in Assam, has been a major concern of health officials worldwide who warn that if it mutates or combines with seasonal influenza viruses it could trigger a pandemic that could cause millions of human deaths. So, Assam government must take it seriously and the local people must support the culling operations.
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