Patna: Bihar has been placed on alert after around 5,000 chickens reportedly died under suspicious circumstances at a poultry farm in Manpur in Gaya district, days before Holi celebrations. Officials fear the deaths could signal an outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, raising concerns about public health and poultry trade in the state.
Authorities say the scale of the deaths is alarming. Veterinary experts note that such a large number of fatalities within a short period is often associated with bird flu outbreaks. Adding to the concern are allegations that the farm owner failed to promptly inform the administration, potentially delaying containment measures.
Officials from the state’s animal husbandry department have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Dr Dharmendra Kumar, an assistant poultry officer, said the district has thousands of poultry farms, making individual monitoring a challenge. The admission has prompted questions about surveillance mechanisms and rapid response systems in rural areas.
In the state capital, Patna, authorities have intensified precautionary steps. Sampling has been stepped up at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park and in nearby poultry clusters. Officials have directed residents to report any unusual bird deaths immediately to the control room, while random testing of chicken sold in city markets has begun.
The alert has also hit the festive economy. Holi typically sees a surge in chicken demand and prices. This year, however, consumer confidence has dipped sharply. Traders who stocked up in anticipation of strong sales say they are now being forced to cut prices to clear inventory. Many health-conscious buyers are choosing caution over celebration, leaving the poultry market under strain at the peak of the festive season.
