Government poultry farm is being sanitized
By Neeraj KumarÂ
Patna: Panic gripped the district administration and the animal husbandry department after bird flu was confirmed at the government poultry farm in Chitkohra. The infection was detected following the death of a large number of chickens, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of the avian influenza virus.
Soon after receiving the report, the administration initiated precautionary measures. Around 6,000 chickens at the farm were culled, and the entire premises was sanitised. The birds were buried scientifically in deep pits. To prevent further spread of the infection, strict controls have been imposed on the movement of poultry products in and around the area.
Officials said that chicken deaths had been reported continuously at the farm over the past few days. Initially suspected to be a routine illness, the situation was taken seriously when the mortality rate rose sharply. Samples were collected and sent to a laboratory for testing, which later confirmed bird flu.
Following confirmation, a joint team from the health department, municipal corporation and district administration rushed to the spot. The poultry farm was completely sealed, and all infected and contact birds were disposed of in accordance with scientific protocols. Medicines and lime were sprayed extensively across the area.
The administration has declared a 9-kilometre radius around the poultry farm as a surveillance zone. For the next two months, the sale, purchase and movement of chickens, eggs and poultry feed in this zone have been temporarily banned. Inspections of other poultry farms have also begun to ensure that the infection has not spread elsewhere. Teams from the animal husbandry department are conducting continuous surveys and are responding promptly to reports of bird deaths in nearby areas.
The health department has urged residents to remain alert, stating that no human infection has been reported so far. However, officials stressed that caution is essential. People have been advised not to touch dead or sick birds and to immediately inform the authorities of any such incidents. Consumption of undercooked meat or eggs has been discouraged, and chicken and eggs being sold in markets are being tested to ensure that infected products do not reach consumers.
After confirmation of bird flu, the district administration has also tightened controls on the entry and exit of poultry into and out of Patna. Surveillance has been intensified on major routes, with animal husbandry teams inspecting vehicles. Officials said the measures were purely precautionary to prevent the virus from crossing district boundaries and spreading to other regions. Although bird flu primarily affects birds, negligence could pose a risk to humans, they warned.
The district administration has directed poultry farm operators to strictly follow hygiene and biosecurity norms. Workers at the farms have been provided with masks, gloves and other protective equipment. Authorities maintain that the situation is under control and that all necessary steps are being taken to contain the infection. The public has been urged not to fall for rumours and to rely only on official information.
Meanwhile, alertness has also been increased at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, located about one kilometre from the poultry farm. Bird enclosures at the zoo are being sanitised, and additional arrangements have been made to prevent contact with wild birds. Officials said no infection has been confirmed at the zoo so far, but precautionary measures were necessary in view of the outbreak. Visitors are being allowed to view peacocks and other birds only from a distance of at least 10 feet, and insecticide spraying has been carried out around bird enclosures.
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