Bird flu outbreak spreads to Kendrapara, culling and restrictions imposed

Bhubaneswar, Sept 8: Bird flu has now extended its reach from Puri to Kendrapara district, with samples from affected villages confirming the presence of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus. The National Institute for High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal has verified these results.

The villages of Balia and Ender in the Derabish block have been identified as epicenters of the outbreak. In response, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department of Odisha has instructed the District Collector and Magistrate to initiate culling operations and implement sanitization measures within a 1-kilometer radius of the infected areas. This is part of the effort to control and contain the H5N1 virus according to government guidelines.

The district administration has imposed a complete ban on the movement of live birds to and from the infected zone. Measures for the disposal of dead birds and contaminated materials are being executed according to protocols. The affected premises are being sealed and disinfected, and the government will provide compensation for the culling of poultry, as well as the destruction of eggs and feed, based on rates set by the Government of India.

Additionally, poultry shops and markets within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak sites are closed until further notice. Surveillance across Kendrapara district has been heightened by the Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) to prevent further spread. Restrictions have also been placed on villages near Bhitarkanika Park following the detection of the bird flu.