Rangiya: Birdflu spread to fresh areas of Assam's Kamrup (rural) district today, forcing the government to deploy 15 rapid response teams in worst-affected Palasbari circle.

The disease has spread to Dohali, Sarpara, Dokhola, Hudungpur, Rani and Patgaon areas of Palasbari circle where the rapid response team with specialists and doctors have been sent, the district deputy commissioner R C Jain said.

In Hajo circle, also considered to be another worst affected area, nearly 60,000 birds have been so far culled and more will follow in the next couple of days, he said.

The local population have been paid a total compensation of Rs 18,17,300 for their birds which were culled so far but there were protests from local villagers unwilling to allow their poultry to be culled.

The rapid response teams were pressed into service after Bhopal-based high security Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory confirming the presence of virus of the birdflu in Palasbari circle area.

Moping operations will be launched in more than 20 villages of Hajo circle which has been covered by the culling operation.

Source : PTI