400 people put on bird flu medication in West Bengal

New Delhi, Jan 27: At least 409 people have been put on medication in bird flu-hit areas of West Bengal, health authorities said Monday.

In the last few years, the country has not registered any case of human transmission of bird flu but there is always a possibility of human infection among the high risk groups.

"A total of 409 poultry workers, cullers, veterinary surgeons involved in culling operations have been put on chemoprophylaxis," a health ministry official said.

However, the ministry said that there is no cause for alarm and the state administration has adequate stock of medicine and personal protective equipments.

The outbreak of avian influenza was notified in Murshidabad district of West Bengal Jan 14. Since then, officials said, it has spread to several areas of the district.

"Containment measures have been initiated as per the contingency plan. Culling of birds has started and so far 116,824 birds have been culled and 11,409 eggs have been destroyed," the official added.

A three-member Central Rapid Response Team of health ministry is at Murshidabad to assist the state health authorities.