Though culling was started yesterday in the affected areas of Kolkata, the process did not gain momentum as villagers resisted the efforts, demanding immediate compensation.

The authorities were issuing coupons to villagers while their chickens were being culled. But villagers demanded on spot payement. They refused to bring their chickens or ducks for culling as they were unaware of the severity of the crisis.

The disease has spread to nearly 300 villages in Kolkata while culling has started only in 127 of them. According to government only about 18,000 chickens have been culled so far. The birds were found to be carrying the deadly H5N1 virus which can cause avian influenza in humans

Meanwhile a six-member experts' team from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases reached the state yesterday and held discussions with the state health department and the district authorities of Birbhum, Murshidabad and South Dinajpur where avian flu cases were reported.

The team will take note of the arrangements made to tackle human cases of avian flu. The state health department has arranged 10 isolated beds in Rampurhat subdivisional hospital and two isolated beds at the Basoa block primary health centre.

Dr Sanchita Baksi, director of health services, said no suspected human cases have been reported. But close vigil is being maintained in the area.

The H5N1 virus that was detected in Margram in Rampurhat-II subdivision has spread to at least seven blocks. Last night, the authorities announced that the deadly strain of virus has hit Muraroi-I and II blocks.

The literacy rate is not so high in this part of the district. The pulse polio immunisation programme had also faced several problems. --The Statesman