Darjeeling farm culls 12,000 hens

DARJEELING: The authorities of a poultry farm in Darjeeling buried alive on Thursday 12,000 egg-laying hens, describing the move as a precautionary measure against bird flu and to safeguard public health.
Manager Sudhir Bhitrikoty of the 40-year-old poultry farm, St. Alphonsus'' Social and Agricultural Centre, said "these fowls are not sick, but as a precautionary measure, we are taking this step to safeguard the health of our workers, children and people who buy our products.�
He said the poultry used to earn Rs 4 lakh a month by selling eggs of these birds.
When asked why the Centre had taken such a step, Bhitrikoty said, "Since Pakistan and Bangladesh are facing the problem of bird flu, there is no guarantee that the flu will not enter India.