Bird flu outbreak in Chhattisgarh; over 15,000 birds culled

An outbreak of bird flu has been reported from a state-run poultry farm in Chhattigsarh's Korea district, prompting authorities to cull over 15,000 birds and step up vigil on poultry birds within 10 km rius of affected area, officials said on Thursday.

So far, 15,426 chickens and quails have been culled and 30,000 eggs destroyed after highly contagious H5N1 virus was detected among birds at poultry farm and hatchery in Baikunthpur town, located around 300 km from here, y said.

re has been case of infection in humans so far due to outbreak of avian influenza, y said.

"After some chickens and quails were found de on December 7 last yearin farm, ir samples were collected and sent to local laboratories for testing," Dr R S Baghel, deputy director, veterinary department, Korea, told PTI.

When disease was t properly detected, samples were furr sent to Jabalpur in Mhya Presh where veterinarians suggested symptoms of chronic respiratory disease, following which ir line of treatment was followed.

"Despite treatment, abrmal deaths of birds continued," Baghel said.

Later, samples were sent to Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases where tests were found positive for H5N1 virus on December 23, he said.

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"Immediately after getting reports of bird flu, we took permission from Korea district ministration, as per standard procedure, and culled all 15,426 birds (chickens and quails) and destroyed 30,000 eggs in farm and its joining areas," official said.

Of total culled birds, nearly 641 chickens were being reared by locals within one km rius of farm. locals were given compensation for culling of ir birds, he said.

"We have completed culling process and sealed farm. After sanitising area in 10 km of its rius, we submitted a report to state's directorate of veterinary services on Wednesday," Baghel said.

" human has been affected due to outbreak and situation is under control. We are waiting for furr directives from higher authorities," he said.

official said for next three months, y will be conducting surveillance in 10 km rius of affected area during which blood samples of birds will be regularly sent to Bhopal for testing.

"We will continue our observation for next three months," he ded.

Meanwhile, state veterinary services director C R Prasanna said, " human has so far been affected due to avian influenza and workers at poultry farm at Baikunthpur have been given medicines as a precautionary measure."

Nearly 40 vills fall within purview of 10 km rius of affected area from where random sampling of poultry birds will be done for next three months to check wher y are infected with avian influenza, he said.

"Necessary steps are being taken to prevent bird flu from spreing to or areas," he ded.