Puri: A fresh outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Odisha’s Puri district, prompting the authorities to launch emergency containment measures and mass culling of poultry to prevent further spread of the infection.
Officials said the authorities concerned swung into action on Saturday after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) at Bhopal confirmed that samples collected from Bada Ankula village in Delang block tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
The district administration immediately declared the village the epicentre of the outbreak, initiating a series of containment operations. Three areas in Delang have been declared restricted zones following the detection of avian influenza (bird flu) cases in the locality.
Sources said around 6,000 poultry birds within the area will be culled. Surveillance has been stepped up in the 10-km radius surrounding the epicentre. Poultry shops have been closed, and the movement of poultry products strictly restricted under tightened biosecurity protocols.
The village had witnessed unusual poultry deaths over the past week, but the outbreak was officially confirmed only after villagers raised concerns and officials collected samples on July 9. Following confirmation of the H5N1 virus, authorities have intensified their response.
Five Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed by the district administration and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) department. These teams are currently on the ground conducting surveillance, educating poultry handlers, and enforcing safety protocols. The movement of live birds into and out of the infected zone has been completely banned.
Dead birds and contaminated materials are being disposed of in accordance with central government guidelines. After the culling and disinfection process, affected premises will be sealed and reopened after thorough inspection.
