Bird flu outbreak: Odisha starts poultry culling in Delanga
The Odisha government swung into action on Saturday after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, confirmed that samples collected from Bada Ankula village in Delanga block tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
The Puri district administration immediately declared the village the epicentre of the outbreak and initiated a series of containment operations. Areas falling within a one-km radius have been identified for culling of birds and disinfection.
Initial estimates suggest that over 8,000 poultry birds will be culled. Surveillance has been stepped up in the 10-km radius surrounding the epicentre and the movement of poultry products strictly restricted under tightened bio-security protocols. Sources said the village had witnessed unusual poultry deaths over the past week, but the outbreak was officially confirmed only after villagers raised concerns and officials collected samples on July 9.
Five Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed for conducting surveillance, educating poultry handlers, and enforcing safety protocols. Additional director (animal disease control) Dr Mihir Nayak said the movement of live birds into and out of the infected zone has been completely banned. 'So far, 3,316 birds have been culled. Strict surveillance is underway and all poultry-related premises are being disinfected. We are taking all necessary measures to prevent further spread,' he said.
Although no human infections have been reported so far, the Health department remains on high alert to monitor any possible zoonotic transmission. Residents have been advised to avoid direct contact with birds, report any unusual poultry deaths and follow protocols. Poultry owners affected by the culling will be compensated for the loss of birds, eggs, and feed as per government-fixed rates.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed the director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services to intensify monitoring and surveillance across Odisha to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the affected district. This is the first confirmed case of H5N1 in Odisha this year. A similar outbreak was reported in Pipili and Satyabadi blocks of Puri district last year, resulting in the culling of over 30,000 birds.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
TD vaccination drive launched
Kanpur: District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh on Friday launched a special Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccination drive for 10 to 16 years age group teens from Talimul Islam Girls junior high school. The drive will go on till August in, which around 7,000 students of 226 schools of district would be vaccinated to protect them from tetanus and diphtheria diseases. The DM interacted with girl students and apprised them about the significance of vaccine. He said that both tetanus and diphtheria are serious and life-threatening diseases and the most effective way to prevent them was timely vaccination. This vaccine was given as a booster at the age of 10 and 16 years with the aim of strengthening immunity of children, so that the effectiveness of the previously received DPT vaccines can be maintained he added. The District Magistrate directed the teams of the Health and Education department to ensure the presence of children in every school and do intensive monitoring. TNN
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Bird Flu outbreaks surge in India: Know its symptoms, prevention and how it spreads
Bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, has re-emerged as a serious health issue in India. The Union government confirmed 41 outbreaks in 2025, primarily affecting 10 states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. According to Minister of State SP Singh Baghel, these outbreaks highlight the vulnerability of India's poultry sector and raise public health concerns due to the virus's potential to infect humans. Globally, bird flu is feared because certain strains, like H5N1 and H7N9, have previously caused human infections with high mortality rates. Understanding the symptoms, spread, treatment, and preventive strategies is essential to control future risks. What is bird flu Bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, is a type of viral infection that mainly affects birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It is caused by influenza A viruses, most commonly H5N1, H5N8, and H7N9 strains. While these viruses primarily infect birds, some strains can also infect humans, usually after close contact with infected poultry, bird droppings, or contaminated environments. Symptoms of bird flu in humans Bird flu symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, often mimicking seasonal flu at the initial stage. Know the typical symptoms: High fever and chills: Early indication of viral infection. Cough and sore throat: Common respiratory symptoms. Muscle pain and fatigue: A result of the immune system fighting the virus. Difficulty breathing: Severe cases may lead to pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Unlike normal flu, bird flu often progresses rapidly and can lead to respiratory failure if untreated, underscoring the need for early medical care. How bird flu spreads to humans Transmission risk is primarily linked to direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. According to experts, infection can occur through: Handling infected poultry: Touching live or dead birds, feathers, or droppings. Food preparation exposure: Slaughtering, cleaning, or cooking infected birds without proper safety measures. Environmental contamination: Visiting areas like poultry farms or markets where infected birds were present. Currently, human-to-human transmission is rare, but health authorities monitor closely due to past instances of limited human spread during major outbreaks. Is there a cure for bird flu As reported, currently, there is no permanent cure for bird flu. However, it can be treated: Certain antiviral medications can reduce severity and shorten illness duration if given early. Supportive care (oxygen therapy, fluids, rest) is essential in severe cases. For poultry, culling infected birds and strict biosecurity measures help stop outbreaks. Preventive measures to limit Bird Flu spread To reduce infection risk, experts recommend: Avoid direct contact with wild or sick birds. Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to destroy viruses. Practice strict hand hygiene after handling raw poultry. Report unusual bird deaths to authorities for rapid containment. Public health surveillance and vaccination of poultry flocks are critical steps to reduce the chances of a zoonotic spillover (when diseases jump from animals to humans). How bird flu is more dangerous than normal flu Bird flu outbreaks impact not only public health but also economic stability, especially in agriculture and poultry. Past outbreaks have led to mass culling of birds, trade restrictions, and food price fluctuations. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that certain strains could mutate, increasing the risk of human-to-human transmission, which could spark future pandemics. Higher mortality rate – Some bird flu strains, like H5N1, have a death rate of up to 60%, compared to <0.1% for seasonal flu. Risk of human transmission – Currently rare, but if it mutates to spread easily between people, it could trigger a global pandemic. Severe health impact – Bird flu often causes pneumonia, respiratory failure, and organ damage, unlike mild seasonal flu symptoms. No universal vaccine – Seasonal flu has a yearly shot; bird flu vaccines are strain-specific and limited. Economic damage – Outbreaks cause mass poultry culling and disrupt food supply chains. This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you suspect bird flu symptoms. Also Read | Delhi's toxic air quality fuels lung cancer surge; experts warn of rising cases among non-smokers; know the 5 common causes beyond smoking
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Bird flu cases are rising again. How bad is it this time?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to mammals, including humans. Recent outbreaks in India have prompted the government to implement various measures to control the spread and protect both poultry and public health. Mint explains what's driving the surge, how worried you should be, and what steps are being taken to contain it. What causes bird flu, and what are the symptoms? Bird flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds worldwide. These viruses can spread to domestic poultry and other animals. In birds, symptoms include sudden death, lethargy, reduced appetite and egg production, swelling of the head, and respiratory or digestive issues. Though rare, human infections can occur through close contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, typically via droppings. Human symptoms range from mild fever and cough to severe respiratory illness. India's bird flu situation and the concerns As of 24 July 2025, India has reported 41 cases of avian influenza in domestic poultry across 10 states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, according to minister of state for fisheries, and animal husbandry S.P. Singh Baghel. A worrying new trend is the detection of the virus in atypical hosts such as tigers, lions, leopards, and domestic cats, raising concerns that the virus may be adapting to new species. While the risk to humans remains low, this cross-species transmission underscores the need for continued vigilance. Historical trend of avian influenza outbreaks in India India saw its worst year in 2021, with 118 bird flu outbreaks. Cases fell sharply in the following years—22 in 2022 and 15 in 2023—before rising again to 49 in 2024. India has reported 41 outbreaks so far in 2025. While numbers remain below the 2021 peak, the resurgence is prompting renewed attention. What steps are being taken by India? India has rolled out a series of measures to contain bird flu outbreaks: Is a vaccine available in India? Yes. India has approved an indigenous low-pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine developed by the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal. The technology was transferred to Indian private companies starting in late 2022, with products becoming available in early 2025. This vaccination is part of India's strategy to manage and prevent the disease and reduce economic losses. What's the global status of H5N1 avian influenza in 2025? Avian Influenza remains a global concern. Europe: Persistent outbreaks in wild and domestic birds; unusual detections in sheep, as per European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Norwegian Veterinary Institute The Americas: Ongoing cases in poultry and wild birds; the virus has also infected dairy cattle in the US, leading to 41 human cases as of July 2025, as per Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, US. Asia: Cambodia has reported multiple human H5N1 cases, totalling 14 by late July, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The increasing spillover to mammals, including livestock, signals a shift in the virus's behaviour and demands stronger global coordination.
