Authorities in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district have initiated the culling of approximately 1.4 lakh chickens following the confirmation of a bird flu outbreak in the Navapur taluka. The decision comes after reports of sudden deaths of 150 to 200 chickens at several poultry farms in the region, prompting swift action to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.
Samples collected from affected poultry farms were sent to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing, which subsequently confirmed the presence of the virus. In response to the positive test results, district officials declared a one-kilometer radius around the infected farms as a containment zone. The culling operation, which began on Friday, aims to eliminate all birds within this zone to prevent further transmission to other farms and surrounding villages. Approximately six poultry farms are located within the affected containment area.
Swift Response to Bird Flu Detection
The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department is overseeing the culling operations, implementing strict biosecurity measures to curb the spread of the disease. The administration has also established a three-kilometer surveillance zone and a five-kilometer buffer zone around the infected areas as additional precautionary measures. Transportation and sale of poultry products from the affected region have been restricted to minimize the risk of transmission.
This marks the third instance of a bird flu outbreak in Navapur, a region known for its significant poultry farming activities and located on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border. Previous outbreaks in 2006 and 2020 also necessitated large-scale culling operations, impacting the local poultry business and causing considerable financial losses to farmers.
Containment and Surveillance Measures
District Collector Mitali Sethi has stated that the culling of 1.4 lakh chickens is a necessary step to prevent the escalation of the outbreak. The administration has formed a taluka-level monitoring committee and is actively collecting samples from all poultry farms in the Navapur region. Officials are concerned about the potential risk to nearly 10 lakh chickens in the surrounding areas if the infection were to spread further.
In addition to the culling, directives have been issued to dispose of all poultry, feed, and eggs within the one-kilometer radius of the affected zone, in line with the Central government’s action plan. The administration has warned of action against poultry farm operators found negligent in adhering to safety protocols. Reports indicate that poultry entrepreneurs are likely to face significant financial losses due to the destruction of birds and millions of eggs.
Public Health and Economic Impact
While no human cases of bird flu have been reported, health officials are urging the public to remain cautious and to report any unusual bird deaths to the authorities. The outbreak has created panic among poultry farmers, who fear substantial economic damage, especially after investing heavily in their businesses in recent months. The situation is under close observation, with authorities assuring that affected farm owners will receive financial assistance as per government norms following assessment reports submitted to the state government.
Public awareness campaigns are expected to be launched to educate the community about the risks associated with bird flu and the preventive measures to adopt. The Animal Husbandry Department is coordinating with health and forest departments to maintain vigilance over reservoirs, water bodies, and wildlife areas, and to increase monitoring in zoos to detect any signs of illness among birds.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
