a day ago
Bird flu outbreak in US Nagar, over 5k chickens die
Rudrapur: Bird flu outbreak has led to the death of over 5,000 chickens across multiple farms in Kichha and Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand on Wednesday. Authorities have enforced strict biosecurity measures to contain the spread of the highly contagious H1N1 avian influenza virus.
However, at GB Pant University's poultry farm in Pantnagar, where over 2,000 chickens died between Aug 13 and 19, tests ruled out bird flu. Officials said the deaths may be linked to another poultry disease or environmental factors, which are still being investigated.
"As a precaution, sale of chicken has been suspended and entry of visitors has been completely banned. The entire premises is being sanitised daily, along with lime sprinkling in and around the farm," said Dr Ripusudan Kumar, deputy director of the poultry farm.
He added that all 22 employees have been provided with masks, protective suits and long boots.
Meanwhile, poultry deaths in Kichha and Khatima have raised alarm. In Kichha alone, 2,222 chickens tested positive for bird flu, while in Khatima's Nadanna village of Chakarpur, over 1,000 birds perished at a private farm on Wednesday morning. Samples have been sent for further testing.
District authorities have imposed strict containment measures.
In Kichha's Kishanpur, a private poultry farm was sealed for three months after sanitisation. "After confirmation of bird flu, transportation of poultry within a 10 km radius has been strictly prohibited," said SDM Gaurav Pandey. "People are also advised to avoid consuming chicken and eggs for some days as a safety measure."
The outbreak has also raised concerns in Bageshwar, where bird flu was earlier confirmed in one chicken after 77 samples from Soli village were sent to the laboratory in Bareilly.
Alarmed by the spread, Almora district authorities have tightened biosecurity protocols at its zoo and rescue centres.
"Tourists are allowed entry into Almora Zoo only after hand sanitisation. Staff members have been instructed to maintain strict hygiene, and maintaining distance is being ensured between visitors and wildlife," said Kishore Goswami, forest officer at Almora Mrig Vihar.
Similar precautions have been enforced in Jim Corbett National Park. "Employees are strictly prohibited from entering rescue centres without safety kits. Staff handling tigers and leopards must wear PPE kits at all times," forest officials said.
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