Patna: Authorities in Patna have intensified monitoring and containment measures after cases of bird flu were detected in poultry near Postal Park in Kankarbagh and Kaushal Nagar in Chitkohra.
A six-member high-level team reviewed the situation on Monday, focusing on steps to prevent the infection from spreading to humans. The review covered areas within a 10km radius of the affected sites.
District animal husbandry officer Dr Arun Kumar said properly cooked chicken remains safe to consume, as the virus is destroyed at temperatures above 75C. However, he advised poultry sellers and buyers to take precautions.
“This is a respiratory infection. People handling or buying live poultry should wear masks and avoid contact with infected birds or eggs,” Kumar said.
Officials warned that if a poultry vendor were infected, the virus could potentially spread through close contact. Residents have been urged to report any unusual deaths of birds immediately.
During the visit, the expert team inspected the sites where infected birds had been buried. Officials examined whether the restricted areas were properly sealed and whether anyone involved in disposing of the birds had shown symptoms of illness.
The team also checked whether poultry was being sold within a one-kilometre radius of Kaushal Nagar, which has been designated as a restricted zone.
The review meeting was chaired by Dr Ranjit Kumar, senior public health specialist of the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit. Other members included Dr Mazhar Hussain of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Patna, Dr Somesh Thakur, a pulmonologist at AIIMS Patna, microbiologist Dr Vinod Pati, regional health director Dr Ravi Shankar and Dr Ragini Mishra of the State Health Committee.
Officials also sought information about the number of birds that have died since February 11 at the poultry research and training centre in Kaushal Nagar.
Authorities said more than 10,000 birds and about 9,000 eggs have been safely buried so far as part of the containment effort.
An intensive surveillance campaign has begun within a one-kilometre radius of the affected area, where around 14,000 residents are being monitored for possible symptoms.
Special attention is being given to densely populated neighbourhoods and informal settlements.
Health officials said samples from 20 people showing symptoms similar to bird flu have been sent for testing. Of these, 13 have tested negative, while reports for seven others are still awaited.
Bird flu, or avian influenza H5N1, was confirmed in chickens at the poultry research centre near Kankarbagh Postal Park and Kaushal Nagar.
Earlier, a large number of crows had also been reported dead in areas including the Patna high court premises, IGIMS and along the banks of the Ganges.
Officials noted that crows are among the bird species most vulnerable to the infection.
As a precautionary measure, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna was closed for seven days to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus.
