Bird flu outbreak in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh; 17,000 chickens, quails culled

NEW DELHI: At least 17,000 chickens and quails have been culled in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, after avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was detected at a state-run poultry farm in the district, officials said on Saturday. Authorities have heightened surveillance within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected area.

Following the recent discovery of dead chickens at the poultry farm in Chakradhar Nagar, samples were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for testing, according to an official statement.

Tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus on Friday night, prompting Raigarh Collector Kartikeya Goel to convene an emergency meeting with senior officials to devise a response strategy.

An official stated that, as per standard protocol, personnel from the municipal corporation, veterinary, and health departments conducted a joint overnight operation, culling 5,000 chickens and 12,000 quails, and destroying 17,000 eggs and poultry feed at the farm.

He added that relevant departments were mobilised to contain the situation before sunrise and prevent the infection from spreading beyond the affected area. The premises were subsequently sanitised.

The affected poultry farm has been sealed, with a one-kilometre radius designated as an ‘infected zone’ and a 10-kilometre radius classified as a ‘surveillance zone’.

As per protocol, all poultry birds, eggs, and poultry feed within the ‘infected zone’ will be destroyed, and their movement will be strictly prohibited. The animal husbandry department will provide compensation to poultry owners for their losses.

Additionally, poultry and egg shops within the ‘surveillance zone’ will remain closed.

Officials have confirmed that no human population has been affected by the bird flu outbreak.

Dr Bhanu Patel of the Raigarh health department explained that the bird flu virus primarily spreads among birds and animals, and there have been no reported cases of human infection in India.

However, he urged the public to remain vigilant about symptoms and potential health risks.

Dr Patel stated that health department teams would conduct door-to-door surveys and medical check-ups within a one-kilometre radius of the poultry farm to identify individuals with flu-like symptoms and provide precautionary treatment.

He advised people to stay alert for symptoms such as fever and to seek timely medical attention at the nearest health centre.