Bird flu: Mass culling in three districts in Karnataka

Bengaluru, March 1: Following recent bird flu (Avian Influenza) outbreaks reported in three districts of Karnataka, state authorities have intensified their preventive measures, including mass culling of poultry and heightened surveillance, particularly in areas bordering Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, is a zoonotic viral disease that primarily affects poultry birds but can occasionally spread to humans and other mammals, officials clarified.

Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Raichur, Chikkaballapur, and Ballari Districts​

Cases of bird flu have been confirmed in poultry birds in the districts of Raichur (Manvi taluk), Chikkaballapur (Chikkaballapur taluk), and Ballari (Sandur taluk). However, officials emphasized that no human cases have been detected in the state so far.

Ansar Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, confirmed that the presence of the H5N1 strain was detected at the Regional Poultry Breeding and Training Centres in Kurekuppa (Ballari district) and Chikkaballapur district. The confirmation came from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) Lab in Bhopal on February 25.

Immediate Action Taken by Authorities​

Following confirmation, a 3-kilometer radius around each infected site has been officially declared an "Infected Area." Authorities have begun immediate preventive action:

• Chikkaballapur: 292 poultry birds were culled, and 64 eggs destroyed as of February 28.
• Ballari: 1,020 poultry birds were culled; no eggs were destroyed here.

Personnel involved in the culling process were equipped with personal protective gear, including surgical masks, protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and disposable shoe covers, ensuring maximum safety during operations.

Strict Protocols in Place to Control Spread​

State officials detailed the stringent protocols being followed to control the outbreak:

• All birds and eggs within a 1-kilometer radius of infected areas are culled and disposed of via deep burial.
• Surveillance areas have been established within a radius of 3 to 10 kilometers around each infected site.
• Movement restrictions are enforced, with poultry products like meat, eggs, and waste materials prohibited from leaving infected premises. Any leftover materials are promptly destroyed.
• All poultry and egg markets or shops within a 10-kilometer radius have been ordered closed immediately.

Additionally, prophylactic antiviral medication (Tab Oseltamivir) has been provided to individuals in close contact with infected birds. These contacts are advised to undergo isolation and monitor themselves for flu-like symptoms for 10 days.

Public Awareness and Precautionary Measures Increased​

In response to the situation, authorities are actively conducting public awareness campaigns, educating citizens about bird flu prevention, and holding coordination meetings with Health, Revenue, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services officials across the state.

The senior health department official has urged the public to remain calm and assured that all necessary preventive measures are being rigorously implemented to safeguard both human health and poultry industry interests. Surveillance has been expanded statewide as a precautionary step to swiftly identify and address any further outbreaks.