NIHSAD confirms bird flu outbreak in Puri’s Delang Block; Over 6,700 birds culled in two days
Bhubaneswar, July 13 (UNI) The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has confirmed an outbreak of Avian Influenza (commonly known as Bird Flu) in Bada Ankula village under Delang block of Puri district, Odisha.
Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick visited the affected areas today to review the situation.
He directed field officers of the F&ARD Department and district administration to take urgent control and containment measures.
The Minister stated that the State Government initiated immediate action following confirmation of the outbreak. Seven Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were deployed by the F&ARD Department to carry out culling, disinfection, sanitation, and surveillance operations in the infected zone.
Culling began on July 12, and over the last two days, a total of 6,756 birds within a one-kilometre radius of the affected site were humanely culled.
The carcasses were scientifically disposed of in deep pits treated with lime, in accordance with established bio-safety norms.
Compensation for the culled birds will be provided to affected poultry farmers within two days, as per Central Government guidelines, to ensure their livelihoods are protected.
Minister Mallick further informed that strict biosecurity measures have been enforced within a ten-kilometre surveillance zone surrounding the epicentre.
Movement of vehicles between poultry farms is being strictly monitored, and disinfection protocols are in place to prevent any further transmission of the virus.
The State Government, he emphasised, is fully committed to containing the outbreak through prompt and coordinated action to safeguard public health and protect the poultry industry.
