4.3 lakh birds culled in Assam: Minister

GUWAHATI: The bird flu situation in Assam was 'stable' and nearly 4.34 lakh birds, including commercial and backyard poultry were culled till December last, state Veterinary minister Kher Sing Engti on Wednesday.

No unusual mortality was reported from any part of the state since December 24 last, Engti told the Assembly in a written reply.

Of the total birds killed, 3.32 lakh were from 250 commercial farms and rest from backyard poultry farms, Engti said.

To combat spread of bird flu infection the government had taken steps as per action plan of the Centre and it included culling of poultry and ducks within the 3-km radius of epicentre where bird flu was detected, he said.

The Minister said that cleaning the poultry houses and areas around it was undertaken. He said public awareness was also created through print and electronic media.

To a query, Engti said, bird flu broke out in Kamrup (Rural) district and spread to nine other districts.