The district magistrates of the 14-affected districts have been asked to identify such families and strike off their names from the compensation list.

“We have received a number of reports from the affected districts saying that many families still rear backyard poultry. Also the movement and sale of such poultry is going on in spite of the ban. This is also true for organised poultry. I have, therefore, asked the district magistrates not to give compensation to such families or people. We need to identify them and take action against them,” said state animal resource development minister Anisur Rahaman.

Justifying his decision, the minister added: “The attitude and mindset of these people is not right. They are not able to understand that this will be harmful in the long run and we will not be able to prevent a recurrence.”

On February 5, the state government had banned the sale of poultry in 48 blocks and five municipalities for the next three months in accordance with international norms.

But the statewide ban on transport of poultry was lifted on February 12, the department received reports that the sale of chickens had begun in the affected districts.

According to the state government, 38,79,123 birds were culled in the state and Rs 797.39 lakh has already been dispersed as compensation to the affected families. The government paid Rs 40 to the owner for every bird culled and will distribute Rs 500 to each of the affected families.