Bird Flu In Karnataka! Over 1000 Birds Culled In Ballari

To prevent the spread of Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, the Karnataka government has initiated mass culling. Bird flu is a viral disease that mainly impacts poultry but can sometimes affect mammals, including humans and pigs.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Health and Family Welfare was informed about the outbreak. Consequently, a 3-kilometre radius around the infected site was declared an "Infected Area." Officials confirmed that no human cases have been reported in the state so far. A senior official shared data indicating that on February 28, 292 poultry birds were culled and 64 eggs destroyed in Chikkaballapur. In Ballari, 1,020 birds were culled without any eggs being destroyed.

Precautionary Measures

During the culling process, workers were equipped with personal protective gear such as surgical masks, protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and disposable shoe covers to ensure safety. The protocol mandates that areas within a 3 to 10-kilometre radius of the infection site be designated as surveillance zones. This measure has been implemented accordingly.

All poultry and egg markets within a 10-kilometre radius of the infected sites have been ordered to close immediately. Officials at district levels have received instructions to enforce this directive. "All poultry products, including meat and eggs, along with waste materials like used litter and manure must remain on-site and be destroyed," an official stated.

Surveillance Efforts

The official elaborated on protocols for such situations: all birds and eggs within a 1-kilometre area are being culled with deep burial as a precautionary step. People who had close contact with infected birds are receiving prophylactic medication (Tab Oseltamivir) and must isolate for ten days while monitoring for flu-like symptoms.

"As of now, bird flu cases have been detected only in three districts," an official noted. Surveillance has intensified across other districts too. Precautionary measures are being strictly followed while awareness campaigns are ongoing. Meetings with health officials from various departments are also being conducted to coordinate efforts effectively.