Patna: An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a government poultry farm in Chitkohra, Patna, prompting authorities to cull around 6,000 chickens and seal the premises. The infection was detected after a sharp rise in poultry deaths, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of the avian influenza virus.
District officials said the decision to destroy the birds was taken immediately after the test results were received. The carcasses were buried in deep pits following scientific protocols, and the entire area was sanitised. A joint team comprising the health department, municipal corporation and animal husbandry officials has been deployed to contain the spread.
A nine-kilometre radius around the farm has been declared a surveillance zone. The sale, purchase and transportation of chickens, eggs and poultry feed have been temporarily banned in the area for two months. Authorities have also tightened checks on vehicles entering and leaving the district to prevent the virus from spreading beyond Patna.
Officials said that although bird flu primarily affects birds, caution remains essential. No cases of human infection have been reported so far. Residents have been advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to avoid consuming undercooked poultry products. Markets are being inspected to ensure that contaminated meat or eggs do not reach consumers.
Precautionary measures have also been stepped up at the nearby Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park. Zoo authorities said bird enclosures are being disinfected and additional safeguards are in place to prevent contact with wild birds. While no infection has been detected at the zoo, officials said heightened vigilance is necessary to contain the outbreak.
