The highly pathogenic avian influenza could reach new areas in the state after the state animal husbandry department officials received reports that poultry owners of the notified areas in Malda have transported their poultry products by taking advantage of slow culling operations during Holi. Officials said though nearly 45,000 chickens were supposed to be culled within Saturday after fresh bird flu cases were confirmed in state-owned poultry farm in Malda. But till the deadline, only 16,000 birds could be culled due to Holi festivities. There are reports that small backyard poultry owners have sold their poultry products outside the notified area during Holi. During the first phase of bird flu outbreak in the state, the virus had spread rapidly to new areas as the state had failed to stop transportation of poultry products. The lackadaisical attitude had created real trouble for the state as the virus had spread to 14 districts. But the state government approach this time clearly suggests the state is yet to realise the importance of preventing movement of poultry products from the notified areas as well as completing the culling operation quickly. According to reports received by the state ARD officials, till Saturday the culling operation was mainly carried out in the organised sectors including the government poultry farm where the outbreak was reported. But culling operation could not be undertaken in the villages falling within the three kilometre radius from the epicentre. The villagers reportedly took advantage of the situation and sold their backyard poultry products during Holi festivities. A senior ARD official said, "We have asked the district authorities to complete the culling operation by Sunday and mopping up operation should be followed immediately after this. We have also asked the local authorities to find out whether poultry birds have been transported from the notified area.'