Puri District Enforces 3-Month Ban on Poultry Farming Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

Puri: In response to a growing bird flu outbreak, the Puri district administration has imposed a three-month prohibition on poultry farming in the affected areas. The ban covers the Pipili, Delang, Nimapara, and Satyabadi regions, where poultry farming is strictly forbidden within a one-kilometer radius of the identified bird flu zones.

The ban also restricts the transportation of chickens beyond a ten-kilometer radius of the affected areas to contain the virus and prevent its spread to other parts of the district. Authorities aim to isolate the virus and protect both public health and the local poultry industry.

To ensure close monitoring, authorities will test chicken samples biweekly. If the tests return negative, further decisions will be made based on the evolving situation. An official from the district administration stated that the measures are designed to halt the spread of bird flu and ensure the safety of the population, while maintaining rigorous surveillance throughout the outbreak.

The restriction will remain in effect for three months, or until the situation shows significant improvement. Authorities will continue reassessing the measures based on the results of ongoing monitoring.

Bird flu has been spreading across Odisha over the past twelve days. The outbreak was initially identified in Puri and Pipili, followed by confirmed cases in the Kendrapara district. The presence of the H5N1 strain prompted extensive bird culling efforts by local authorities to contain the virus.

In addition to culling, stringent disinfection protocols have been implemented in affected areas to control the virus. Residents of the affected zones are advised to avoid contact with birds and to report any sick or dead poultry to the authorities immediately. A temporary ban on the sale and transport of poultry products from the area is also in place to prevent further spread of the virus.