The central government has issued an advisory on the bird flu (H5N1) virus following confirmed outbreaks in nine states, including Punjab and Jharkhand, since January. The advisory, released on March 7, calls for heightened surveillance in high-risk areas, such as poultry farms and bird markets, to contain the spread of the virus.
Nationwide Surveillance and Control Measures
The government has urged all states and Union Territories (UTs) to implement the National Action Plan for Avian Influenza and has assured necessary technical support. The advisory from the Dairy and Animal Husbandry Department states:
“Surveillance must be intensified in high-risk areas, including live bird markets, migratory bird habitats, and dense poultry zones. States are requested to strictly adhere to the National Action Plan for Avian Influenza (Revised 2021), activate rapid response teams, and strengthen veterinary and laboratory capacities.”
Bird Flu Outbreak in Jharkhand’s Bokaro
The advisory follows a confirmed bird flu outbreak in Jharkhand’s Bokaro, where the H5N1 strain of avian influenza was detected. The outbreak was officially confirmed on March 7, prompting immediate action. The virus originated at a government poultry farm in Bokaro’s Sector 12, where approximately 250 birds have already died.
Authorities have culled 46 birds and destroyed 506 eggs in Bokaro, following directives from the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The state government has also been instructed to declare infected and surveillance areas and to restrict access to affected premises to prevent further spread.
The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed the presence of H5N1 in the affected poultry farm. The Centre has expressed concern over biosecurity lapses in government-run poultry establishments, urging states to conduct immediate biosecurity audits and address containment failures.
Impact on Poultry Farmers in Telangana
The outbreak has also impacted Telangana, where the death of 3,500 country chickens has severely affected local poultry farmers. In response, the state has banned poultry imports from neighboring Andhra Pradesh, following a reported outbreak in the East Godavari district.
With bird flu cases rising, poultry farmers are urged to follow strict biosecurity measures to safeguard their farms. Eggora remains committed to keeping the poultry community informed and will provide updates as the situation develops.
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