Shillong, Jan 14 NNN : A total of 1,559 poultry birds that have been affected with H1N1 virus or bird flu have been culled in Williamnagar town of East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya by the Rapid Respose Team, official sources said in Shillong today.
\nOn the first day, 561 affected fowls belonging to the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary farm were culled after all the details of the culling preparations have been minutely followed.
\nOn the second day, 998 affected fowls belong to private farms were culled bringing the total of culled to 1559, Meghalaya Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Director, L. Lyngwa told The Sentinel, adding that the number of fawls that have been culled today is yet to be received, as they the team that had gone to the interior villages were yet to report to the Headquarter. The Director said the number of birds regarding today\u2019s culling could probable received by late night. He also declined to the rough figure culling. Lyngwa also informed the rest of the fawls within the 10 Kms radius from the affected area would be culled in the days to come. Lyngwa also said that to be in tune with the Centre\u2019s guidelines, Rs.50 per matured chicks would be paid to the affected farmers and the State Government would give an additional sum in tune with the market rate. The State Government has also sent some of the experts and senior veterinary doctors to cope with the pressing situation.<\/p>\n\n