After the H5N1 type of avian influenza ( bird flu ) was discovered, the Odisha government killed nearly 11,700 hens in the Pipili area of Puri district, an official said on Monday.
After a small poultry farm in Pipili saw a major loss of its birds, culling started on Saturday and ended on Monday night. The officer said that on Tuesday, there would be further culling in residences and neighbouring communities.
Jagannath Nanda, additional director of disease control, said 13 rapid response teams are handling the culling, with some poultry farm owners conducting culling independently. No other unusual chicken deaths have been reported elsewhere in the state, he added.
The state health department has increased surveillance and released an advisory in response to the outbreak.
Bijay Mohapatra, director of health services, emphasised that while bird flu is not new to Odisha, the department is working with stakeholders to manage the situation. He assured that sufficient medicines are available and urged poultry workers to maintain hygiene and wear masks.
