Odisha Government to Cull 20,000 Birds Amid Avian Influenza Outbreak

A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in Pipili town of Odisha’s Puri district after the detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in several poultry farms. In response, the Odisha government has initiated containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus to other areas.

As part of these efforts, over 20,000 birds are set to be culled, with the culling process already underway under the supervision of the Animal Husbandry Department. Local officials are ensuring strict adherence to protocols during the operation, which is expected to continue for several days. In addition to the culling, extensive disinfection measures are being carried out in the affected areas to control the virus’s spread.

Residents in Pipili have been advised to avoid contact with birds and to immediately report any sick or dead poultry to authorities. To further prevent the spread of the virus, a temporary ban on the sale and transport of poultry products from the region has been imposed.

Health and veterinary authorities are closely monitoring the situation, focusing on containing the outbreak and ensuring public safety. Animal influenza viruses typically circulate among animals, but they can infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Dr. Jaganath Nanda, Additional Director of Disease Control at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry in Odisha, stated, “On August 17, we received a report from the Pipili area indicating that 1,800 birds had died under unusual circumstances. A team was immediately dispatched to collect samples, which were sent to Bhopal for testing. The results, received on August 23, confirmed the presence of bird flu. Consequently, culling operations commenced on August 24 in both the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks. The culling process is ongoing, and we will pay Rs 20 and Rs 70 depending on the size of the birds.”

The state’s Health and Family Welfare Department also posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of the Public Health Department, has directed the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Puri to be prepared to protect human health amid the ongoing bird flu outbreak in the district.

“As two blocks of Puri district, Pipili and Satyabadi, are affected by the bird flu outbreak, Dr. Satya Panigrahi from the State Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Sunita Jena, an Epidemiologist at the State Surveillance Unit (SSU), have been directed to proceed to Puri to investigate and ensure the culling operation is conducted according to guidelines,” the department stated.