Bengal survives bird flu, lifts ban on sale of poultry

Animal Resource Development Minister Anisur Rahman said the ban has been lifted because no fresh cases of flu in birds have surfaced in the state. “The decision was taken after consulting the chief minister, the chief secretary, the home secretary and the health minister,” Rahman said.

In the restricted 44 blocks and five municipalities — Nalhati, Jamuria, Kulti, Kalyani and Krishnanagar — sale is halted till futher orders. The rearing of poultry in all affected areas has also been prohibited for the next three months.

Murshidabad and Birbhum districts, which cover 22 affected blocks, remain under strict supervision. Farms located in unaffected parts of these two districts and listed with the Animal Resource department or approved after inspection and considered safe, will be in a position to trade within these districts. Products from these farms will be allowed to move out of the districts only after being thoroughly inspected.

The movement of poultry products from other states into and through West Bengal will be allowed freely across the state, but traders will have to always carry the required documents certifying their product.

Sources said 30 human samples collected and tested for bird flu infection have come negative. Also, out of 1,507 samples collected from birds till February 9, only 62 have been found positive. The bird flu infection, in official estimates, has cost the poultry sector Rs 500 crore.

Around 38 lakh birds have been culled and 1.5 lakh birds have died due to infection since the outbreak in early January. The bird flu was officially confirmed on January 15.