Odisha Culls Thousands of Chickens Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

The eastern Indian state of Odisha has culled over a thousand chickens following the detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain. The outbreak, centered in Puri district, has led to plans to cull approximately 20,000 birds, amid concerns about its spread to animals and humans.

The eastern Indian state of Odisha has culled more than a thousand chickens after the detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. A government official disclosed this information to Reuters on Sunday.

The epicenter of the outbreak is in Puri district, roughly 19 miles from the state capital Bhubaneswar, following the recent death of 1,800 birds at a local poultry farm. "The work is ongoing. We are planning to cull about 20,000 birds," said Dr. Jagannath Nanda, Additional Director of Disease Control.

The H5N1 strain, considered highly pathogenic, can also affect animals like pigs, horses, large cats, dogs, and occasionally humans. The spread of this virus raises concerns for both the government and the poultry industry, due to the potential devastation it can cause to poultry flocks, the risk of human transmission, and possible trade restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)