942 chickens infected with Avian Influenza in Bengaluru

A stray incidence of Avian Influenza with H5 Virus Strain was confirmed in around 942 chickens at Bengaluru's Dasarahalli, after which the infected birds were culled and disposed.

The incident came into light on December 31, 2017 after which sanitation and disinfection of the area were taken up.

Around 1 km to 10 km 'surveillance zone' is under intensive watch and there is no report of any unnatural death of poultry birds in this zone, a statement said.

Experts from the Department of Health and Family Welfare deputed by the Government of India arrived at Bengaluru on January 4.

A meeting was conducted at the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal Bengaluru with the Director of the Institute and officers of Animal Husbandry and discussed about the actions taken as per the guidance issue by the Indian Government.

The team visited the local primary health centre and had a detailed discussion with the medical officers and para medical staff regarding preventive measures taken and surveillance to be continued.

The measures taken by the state government have been approved to be satisfactory so far.

The reported source of supply of infected birds was traced to a farm with about 200 birds. After analysing 12 samples which were found to be negative for Avian Influenza, an action has been initiated as per the guidelines issued by the Government of India in March, 2015.

The public is appealed to not panic and guided that chicken, meat and eggs can be consumed only after proper cooking.