Odisha Government’s Swift Response to H5N1 Outbreak in Puri

The Odisha government has culled over 11,700 chickens in Pipili, Puri district, due to an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. Culling began after mass chicken deaths at a local farm and will continue in homes and nearby villages. The state health department has heightened surveillance and issued alerts, reassuring sufficient medicine supplies.

The Odisha government has taken immediate action, culling over 11,700 chickens in the Pipili area of Puri district following the detection of the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza strain. The culling, which began on Saturday after mass deaths were reported at a local poultry farm, concluded on Monday evening. Officials confirmed that additional culling will occur in surrounding homes and villages on Tuesday.

Dr. Jagannath Nanda, Additional Director of Disease Control, explained that 13 rapid response teams are overseeing the culling process, with some poultry farm owners taking it upon themselves to cull chickens independently. He noted that no other unusual chicken deaths have been reported elsewhere in the state.

In reaction to the outbreak, the state health department has heightened surveillance and issued precautionary alerts. Dr. Bijay Mohapatra, Director of Health Services, emphasized that although bird flu cases are not novel for Odisha, the department is collaborating with various stakeholders to effectively manage the situation. Dr. Mohapatra reassured the public that there are sufficient supplies of necessary medicines and urged poultry workers to maintain stringent hygiene practices and wear masks.

(With inputs from agencies.)