Date:22/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/22/stories/2008012255011200.htm

New Delhi

‘Delay by West Bengal led to spread of bird flu’

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: As bird flu is confirmed in five of the eight suspected districts of West Bengal, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Monday said the delay on the part of the West Bengal government to take “appropriate action” led to the rapid spread of avian influenza in the State. He also said that even now the culling of birds in the “unusual mortality” districts was “slow” and should be speeded up.

Mr. Pawar, who reviewed the situation, said he was in touch with Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and urged him to stop inter-district movement of birds to contain the infection. The Minister had rushed Union Animal Husbandry Secretary to West Bengal.