The Assam Government has declared a high alert following the rapid spread of deadly bird flu outbreak to newer areas in the state.

Thus far, seven Assam districts, which include Nalbari, Barpeta, Baksa, Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, Kamrup (rural) and Kamrup (city) have been hit hard.

According to officials, mass culling of poultry has begun in these areas, and around 40,000 poultry birds will be culled by the end of this week.

Assam administration on Thursday demanded poultry farmers to cooperate with vet staff in bird culling to make sure that the deadly bird flu virus does not spread.

The disease has already resulted into several human deaths, especially in South East Asia.

Sale and movement of poultry in and around Guwahati has been banned and defensive measures are being taken elsewhere.

Health workers have moved to affected regions to check people for any flu-like symptoms, although no human infections have been reported so far.

Assam Health Minister Hemant Biswa Sarma has asked people to cooperate during the culling process.

“I want people to come forward to help in the culling of birds to avoid bird flu. It is important to kill these birds so that the flu doesn't spread to humans,” said Sarma.