By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand is yet to decide on launching culling operations though the central government asked it to begin the exercise to prevent a bird flu outbreak after 200 chicken were found dead last month.
“We received the central government directive Friday night. On Saturday, we sent the file to Chief Minister Madhu Koda seeking direction,” Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) Secretary A.K. Sarkar said.
About 200 chickens were found dead in Angada block of Ranchi district some 15 days ago. But it is not confirmed yet if the poultry deaths were due to bird flu.
“Till now no case of bird flu has been confirmed in Jharkhand. And at this point of time we do not need to cull the birds. But the chief minister will decide on the issue,” Sarkar told IANS.
He said 90 samples from the state sent for tests two months ago had tested negative, but results of tests on fresh samples are awaited.
“There are more than 600,000 chickens in the state. And it will be a huge task to cull the birds. We will abide by the order of the chief minister.”