Kolkata, Feb 9 : West Bengal Fish sellers are making a killing after the State Government's ban on chicken sales in the wake of the outbreak of H5N1 strain of bird flu virus.

Bird flu has spread to 13 of West Bengal's 19 Districts.

“More than 3.4 million birds have been culled in the State since H5N1 virus was first reported last month,” a West Bengal State official said.

The West Bengal Government has banned the sale of chicken across the State till February 12 and the fish sellers in the State are making the most of it as chicken eaters are now switching to fish.

"Chicken has been banned in the wake of bird flu in the State. Before the outbreak of bird flu, 'rohu' (a popular fish variety) was selling at 70-75 rupees per kilograms. But now after the outbreak we get it at 80 rupees and then we sell it for 120 rupees per kilograms," said Amit Das, a fish seller in Kolkata.

The customers are mainly Bengalis, who are known for their fascination for fish.

"Earlier Hilsa (a fish variety) cost 200 rupees. I was spending 200 rupees on fish and now I have to spend 500. Bengalis cannot live without fish and these sellers are taking advantage of that," said Rita Das, a customer. (ANI)