Bird Flu Outbreak in Puri: Mass Poultry Culling Underway, Transport Banned

Puri, July 12 : In response to a confirmed outbreak of bird flu, the Puri district administration has launched mass culling operations in poultry farms located in Muninda Gram Panchayat under Delang block. The outbreak, identified in two broiler farms, has prompted authorities to impose stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the highly contagious avian influenza virus.

According to official sources, laboratory tests conducted by the State Veterinary Department have confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus in samples collected from the affected area. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 to 8,000 birds across three poultry farms have been infected.

Culling operations commenced on Friday in Benupara village, where nearly 4,300 birds were culled in the presence of State Animal Husbandry Secretary Amrit Kulange and a team of district and block-level veterinary officials. The remaining birds are scheduled to be culled in phases over the next few days to contain the outbreak and avoid cross-contamination.

As part of the containment strategy, the district administration has banned the transportation of poultry and poultry products from the affected region. Check posts at all major transit points have been alerted to enforce the restriction, and constant surveillance is being maintained by veterinary teams.

While the district gears up to prevent a wider crisis, poultry farm owners have raised concerns over the lack of financial compensation. Many claim they are still awaiting aid promised during past outbreaks and fear similar neglect this time. “We’ve lost our entire stock, and there’s no clarity on compensation. We can’t recover from this without government support,” said a farm owner in Delang block.

Authorities have assured that steps are being taken to assess the damage and explore compensation options. “The administration is prioritizing disease containment, but support mechanisms for affected farmers are also under discussion,” said a senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department.

The situation remains under close watch, with health officials urging strict adherence to hygiene protocols and movement restrictions in the affected areas.