Hundreds of birds found dead

Mumbai: Hundreds of migratory birds have been found dead in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra. Blood samples of the birds have been sent for tests in Pune.

Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Anees Ahmed, however, says it is unlikely the deaths were caused by Bird Flu. Deaths among migratory birds is common at this time of year, he adds.

While some sources say 400 birds have died, other unconfirmed reports peg the number of deaths at 200.

Maharashtra government has completed culling of birds in Navapur, the first hit by Bird Flu. It is now in the process of disbursing compensation to poultry farm owners.

So far, there have been no reports of the disease infecting human beings. The four human blood samples from Navapur, which had been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune have tested negative.

Meanwhile, veterinary workers are cleaning up chicken farms and disinfecting homes in and around Navapur.