H5N1 hits India

According to agriculture ministry spokesman Manoj Pandey, samples were sent to the laboratory and were confirmed to be positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The Indian government has said that more than 35,500 birds in 102 villages of Birbhum, as well as nearly 300 birds in a state-run poultry farm in Dinajpur district, have died over the past seven days. It has been reported that the outbreak has been localised.

An isolation centre had been opened in a local hospital and 300 health workers have been sent with medicine and protective gear.

“Authorities have ordered the culling of the chickens and all poultry within five kilometres of Margram village. The government will pay compensation,” said Anisur Rahaman, state minister for animal resources.