In West Bengal, the culling of birds suspected to be infected with H1N1 virus commonly known as bird flu began this afternoon in the Tehatta sub division of Nadia district of West Bengal. About 600 workers divided into 56 groups are carrying out the culling operation on ducks and hens. A target of 51000 birds is to be culled in three days time upto tomorrow. According to official sources, a prohibitory order on selling of eggs and ducks and chicken meat has been imposed in the area. It may be mentioned that the West Bengal government has been advised to give a daily report of culling and preventive measures taken by the animal husbandary department, diary and fisheries department. The central government has advised the state government to prevent the sale and purchase of eggs and meats of ducks and chicken within 10 km radius of the affected area. It has also advised that all poultry work should be suspended immediately.Meanwhile, the state government has come out with a compensation package for the farmers and poultry owners of the Tehatta surrounding areas. Besides supplying of small chicken and ducklings to farmers and poultry owners the state government would give 20 rupees each to for a small chicken or ducklings and 50 rupees each for any full grown chicken or ducks.