- As an additional measure to prevent the outbreak of bird flu, the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) on February 9 started using disinfectants at all entry points along the southern border with India. Import of poultry products from India was banned by BAFRA earlier this year on January 16. All incoming poultry products are being seized and disposed off in biological pits. Starting from 6 in the morning till 10 at night, all vehicles entering the country are being sprayed with water treated with bleaching powder. Individuals are directed to walk through a 76 by 40 inch metal tray filled with a solution of water and Potassium Permanganate. Across the border, the Indian health ministry clamped a ban on the trade of poultry items on February 5. Indian media reported that over 1,000 chickens have died in a village at Falakata in Jalpaiguri district on February 11 and a team from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Bangkok has come to inspect the affected areas. Till date, a total of 86,000 backyard chickens had been culled in the Indian districts near the border. The officer-in-charge of BAFRA in Phuentsholing, Ugyen Dorji, told Kuensel that, though there has been no case so far of bird flu spreading to humans reported in the neighbouring states of Assam and Bengal, creating awareness and taking precautions was necessary, as many people tend to ignore risks and continue their commercial activities with poultry products. He added that there was a lack of cooperation from the public, as most people crossing the border hesitate to walk through the tray of solution. "Some people jump over to avoid dipping their shoes and, on being redirected, we receive harsh remarks', he said. A few travellers even complained to the police. Earlier, people travelling in all vehicles were made to come out and walk through the solution but, due to inconvenience caused, only travellers by bus are stopped. "When we stop every single vehicle for the passengers to walk through the solution, not only is a major traffic jam caused but, with a long queue of people, there is much commotion at the gate,' said Sangay Tenzin, the border control coordinator of BAFRA. Restaurants and hotel in the border town of Phuentsholing are still serving poultry items. According to Sangay Tenzin, this is because most restaurants have stocked up on poultry products before the ban was announced. Besides, local farm produce was made available after being inspected, he added. Meanwhile, the import of all meat items, including fish, has been banned for a month starting February 7 as it is the holy period. By Passang Norbu passa@kuensel.com.bt