Surveillance on poultry birds closed down in Darjeeling due to the ongoing deadlock in the area. The matter has become an issue of concern for the state animal resources department.

According to a senior official of the animal resources department (ARD), surveillance was required to avoid further outbreak in the area. But it was badly affected due to the ongoing trouble in Darjeeling.

The United States lists India among those countries where Bird Flu has taken firm roots. This is so because the crucial task of collection and examination serum from poultry birds has been stopped altogether. However, the local livestock development assistants have been asked to conduct door-to-door survey on the days when the bandh is relaxed.  

Around 15 districts were reported to have been affected by Bird Flu, the latest being reported on May 16 in the Bijanbari block of Darjeeling district 16 May.  

The officials say that the local administration had taken the issue seriously and the culling operation and disinfection process was properly undertaken. But the bandh hit the essential surveillance following the disinfection process.

Mr Jahar Lal Chakraborty, director of ARD, told that the department is facing some trouble while carrying out surveillance in the post-disinfection period, adding that the local officials will keep a sharp watch and make regular visit to the local areas.