Despite the outbreak of avian flu in the state earlier this year, the West Bengal government has decided not to allow vaccination of birds as its efficacy is yet to be proved, reports Zeenews.

Animal Resources Minister Anisur Rahaman told the Assembly that traces of the vaccine remain in the blood of vaccinated birds, and this could affect consumers.

Stating that 42.62 lakh poultry had been culled during the outbreak of bird flu in the state, he said it had affected five lakh poultry owners whose accumulated loss stood at around Rs 350 crore.

Mr Rehman said although the Centre had agreed to a state government proposal to provide poultry losers with goats and sheep as an alternative means of livelihood, it had not yet given any fund for the purpose.

Stating that the project would entail an expenditure of about Rs 74 crore, he said it would be shared by the Centre and the state on a 50:50 basis.