[Assam] Bird flu & culling in Assam

[Ram Sarangapani]

For the past several months bird flu has spread throughout Assam & possibly
the surrounding states. Talking to a friend of mine (from Guwahati), it
seems chicken and eggs are basically banned and/or not available. Of course,
consumers who are aware of the dangers of the epidemic, stay away.

But there is resistance from some quarters against culling. This is
understandable to an extent, as this is how many marginal poultry growers
make a living.

I don't know much about the epidemic, but this much is certain, many in
Assam are losing, often, their only source of income. The State itself lost
huge revenues.

What the state govt. (if it hasn't already) should do is to provide
alternative methods of living to these farmers (at least temporarily).
Alternatively, the Govt. could buy the poultry & eggs at current market
prices and urge the growers to sell the chickens.

I read in the Calcutta Telegraph, that the State Govt. is employing village
youths as spies (to tell on their neighbors)  - maybe to foster ill-will
among neighbors? :)

The state must also prepare for such things for the future. Some time ago,
there was a problem with fish, and it had to imported from Andhra Pradesh.

In the US, as many are aware, some time ago we had the Mad Cow disease
scare. It took a few weeks, but it seems that the US Agriculture Dept
(USDA), was able to identify particular heads of cattle to some farms in
Texas where the suspect cattle were. This is because, all cattle, upon
birth, are etched bar codes, and farmers follow strict USDA guidelines for
regular blood/tissue samples, vacinations and regulated feeds.

All these things are expensive, but if the state were serious, Delhi, the
FAO and other UN bodies can help and the state could make a positive start.
The Punjab has made huge strides in this area.
Just my thoughts

A photo from the AT - people protesting culling ops.
http://www.assamtribune.com/dec2708/Photo2.html