Date:24/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/24/stories/2008012457060100.htm

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Bihar orders culling of chickens

Special Correspondent

PATNA: The Bihar government on Wednesday ordered culling of chickens in Katihar district, neighbouring West Bengal, and sent an SOS to the Centre for assistance.

Apart from prohibiting import of chickens from West Bengal and imposing a check at its borders, the State government directed the Katihar district administration to cull chickens in six panchayats bordering Malda district of West Bengal to check the spread of bird flu.

The decision to take preventive measures in Khasota, Mimaua, Deogaon, Sitalpati, Garghatu and Anarsinghpur panchayats was taken after the State government learnt of a suspected case of bird flu in Mohammadpur panchayat of Malda district in West Bengal.

The government urged the Centre to send 500 personal protection equipment to go with the 150 the State government has provided to Katihar.