In response to bird flu cases being detected in three districts of Karnataka, the administration has initiated mass culling and intensified surveillance, particularly in districts bordering Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Officials confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza (AI), a zoonotic viral disease primarily affecting poultry, with occasional spillover to mammals, including humans.
Confirmed Cases and Response Measures
Cases of bird flu have been reported in:
- Manvi Taluk, Raichur District
- Chikkaballapur Taluk, Chikkaballapur District
- Sandur Taluk, Ballari District
No human cases have been reported in Karnataka so far.
Ansar Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, stated that H5N1 was confirmed at the Regional Poultry Breeding and Training Centres in Kurekuppa (Ballari) and Chikkaballapur on February 25. Following the confirmation, a 3-km radius around the affected sites was designated as an “Infected Area.”
Mass Culling and Safety Protocols
As per official data, 292 poultry birds were culled, and 64 eggs destroyed in Chikkaballapur, while 1,020 birds were culled in Ballari on February 28. Culling teams were provided with full personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, goggles, and disposable shoe covers.
Authorities are following strict biosecurity measures:
- All birds and eggs within 1 km of the infected sites are being culled and buried deeply.
- A 10-km radius has been declared a surveillance zone, with officials monitoring for further outbreaks.
- Prophylactic medication (Oseltamivir) has been given to close contact persons, who must isolate for 10 days and report any flu-like symptoms.
- All poultry products, including eggs, meat, and waste materials, are prohibited from leaving infected premises and are being destroyed immediately.
- Poultry markets and shops within 10 km of the affected sites have been ordered to shut down.
Public Advisory and Awareness Efforts
Authorities have ramped up awareness campaigns and inter-departmental coordination, involving health, revenue, animal husbandry, and veterinary services officials.
Urging the public not to panic, officials assured that all necessary measures are being implemented to contain the spread of avian influenza. Surveillance efforts are ongoing across Karnataka to prevent further outbreaks.
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