Patna: Bird flu has now been confirmed in chickens in Patna, days after the infection was detected among crows in several districts of Bihar, triggering heightened alert across the state capital.
Officials said around 6,000 chickens were found infected at the Poultry Research and Training Centre run by Bihar Animal Sciences University at Kaushal Nagar in Chitkohra, near the airport area. Following confirmation of the infection, the Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department ordered the culling and burial of all chickens at the farm. The entire locality was sanitised, and residents were advised to follow strict precautions.
Entry into the poultry farm area without masks has been prohibited. Considering that the affected zone is located under the Chitkohra bridge near the airport and has a dense population, the district administration has intensified surveillance. On the orders of the Patna District Magistrate, the movement of chickens and roosters into and out of the municipal limits has been completely banned.
Zoo placed on alert
As a precautionary measure, the administration of Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan has stepped up preventive arrangements. Visitors are now permitted to view peacocks and other birds only from a minimum distance of eight feet. Insecticide spraying is being carried out around bird enclosures, chemical disinfectants are being used at entry gates, and staff members have been provided masks. Zoo authorities confirmed that no case of bird flu has been reported from the premises so far.
Kaushal Nagar declared infection zone
The district administration has declared a one-kilometre radius around the infected poultry farm as an infection zone, while a nine-kilometre area has been marked as a surveillance zone. Entry of eggs, poultry birds, and feed into this area has been prohibited, and usage will be allowed only after obtaining sanitisation certificates.
A check post has been set up in Kaushal Nagar, and personnel from Shastri Nagar and Bypass police stations have been deployed for continuous monitoring.
Two-month ban on poultry farming
As part of containment measures, poultry farming has been banned for two months in the affected and surrounding areas. Movement of people near the infection zone has also been restricted. The administration has appealed to residents not to panic and to strictly follow health and safety guidelines.
Samples sent to Bhopal, infection confirmed
Officials said poultry samples were sent for testing after bird flu was detected in over 400 crows in districts including Bhagalpur, Katihar, Patna and Darbhanga. The samples, sent by the Dairy and Animal Resources Department to Bhopal, tested positive.
Over the past month, more than 200 crows were found dead in areas such as the Patna High Court premises, IGIMS, Mokama, Kankarbagh, and FCI godowns. Tests confirmed H1N1 infection in the dead birds.
Public advisory and control room
The administration has issued a public advisory asking people to avoid touching or lifting dead birds, consume chicken and eggs only after proper cooking, and keep children away from sick or dead birds. Residents have been asked to report any unusual bird deaths immediately.
Those working in poultry-related areas have been advised to use masks and gloves and seek medical testing if they experience fever or flu-like symptoms.
A district control room has been set up, and citizens can report poultry deaths on the helpline number 0612-2219199. Officials have also directed that vehicles found illegally transporting chickens should be seized and the animal husbandry officer informed.
