According to the recent reports, bird flu was noticed in South 24 Parganas and West Midnapore, which has taken the total number of affected regions to 13 out of a total 19 in West Bengal (WB).

The health agencies of both the regions has confirmed the spread of avian flu, and said that culling operation will start on Monday.

N S Nigam, West Midnapore District Magistrate said that the chicken samples sent from Chakbelcha village in Debra block of Kharagpur subdivision had tested positive.

Mr. Nigam added that 40 teams will start up culling operations in 5 km radius of Chakbelcha on Monday.

In South 24 Parganas the malady screened positive in Budge, District Magistrate Sanghamitra Ghosh said.

In the mean time, bird flu spread to Baro Khalasamari at Mathabhanga block in affected Coochbehar district, where the ailment had strike four villages in Dinhata blocks I and II.

In the affected district of Howrah, avian flu spread to Panchla as well as Sankrail.

Reports from the district said a few birds like falcon were found dead.