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Farmer buried bird flu-ailed chickens by himself: Report

KATHMANDU, DEC 31 - The final report by a committee formed to investigate into the ‘disappearance’ of bird-flu-infected chickens from a farm in Ramkot-6, Kathmandu, on December 25 states that a majority of the fowls were buried on the farm premises.
Following the confirmation of bird flu at Manju Feed and Poultry Industries run by Surendra Man Basnet, a rapid response team from the Department of Livestock Services had reached the site to exterminate the chickens, only to discover that the infected birds had ‘disappeared’. Basnet said he had killed and buried all the poultry, but the officials suspected foul play. The Central Veterinary Laboratory on December 22 confirmed avian flu on his farm.
Bolraj Acharya, chief of the District Veterinary Office, said they recovered over 1,600 buried chickens from the farm on Thursday. The Kathmandu District Administration Office had, on Wednesday, formed a seven-member committee headed by Acharya to investigate the matter.
Acharya said that the report will be submitted to Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chudamani Sharma on Tuesday and possible action against Basnet will be decided as per the Bird Flu Control Order (2007).
However, many officials expressed dissatisfaction at the report, claiming that the owner was reluctant to show them the area where the chickens were buried. “Whatever the report claims, the administration should take the matter seriously so that no other poultry owner follows suit,” said a probe team member requesting anonymity.

 
Posted on: 2013-01-01 08:43

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