Bird flu strikes in Assam

Health authorities in the Indian state of Assam have taken immediate and far-reaching action in an attempt to halt the spread of bird flu.

The virus was discovered among the local poultry stock late last week and a widespread cull of birds has since taken place.

Media reports estimated that more than 40,000 birds have already been killed, with thousands more set for the same fate in the next few days.

Laboratory tests on carcasses have confirmed that some of the birds had the H5N1 strain - the one scientists fear is most likely to cause a pandemic of the virus among humans.

Local residents have been informed they can expect compensation for their lost birds, but it appears that some farmers who are not directly affected will lose out.

The value of soybean futures on India's National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange fell on Monday morning, amid fears demand for the crop, which is often used as feed for poultry, will fall, reports Reuters.

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