Bird flu outbreak in Bilaspur: 5,500 chickens dead, 5-km zone sealed; culling, surveillance intensified

RAIPUR: The district administration has intensified its response following the confirmation of bird flu cases in Bilaspur, which is situated around 125 km from the state capital.

Around 5,500 chickens have died due to the infection in the district, District Collector Sanjay Agrawal said. The deaths occurred over the past five days at the government poultry farm in Koni. Samples sent to Bhopal for testing have confirmed the presence of bird flu. As a precautionary measure, the poultry farm has been shut down, and a five-kilometre radius has been declared a sensitive zone. The carcasses of the birds, along with around 20,000 eggs, have been destroyed.

The case pertains to the government poultry farm premises in Koni. The district collector, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajnesh Singh, conducted an inspection of the affected area late Tuesday night to review containment measures. “We are following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and seeking support from the veterinary department to control the situation and prevent the spread of the bird flu virus,” the Collector said.

Meanwhile, the collector reviewed the ongoing operations and issued directives to teams from the health, animal husbandry, and municipal corporation departments deployed at the site. The Collector stated that preventing the spread of infection is the top priority and stressed the need for coordination among all departments. He instructed officials to strictly regulate movement within the designated containment zone and ensure that sampling, culling, and disposal of infected poultry are carried out in accordance with scientific protocols. Outlining key containment measures, the administration directed departments to conduct health check-ups of residents in the vicinity and ensure immediate treatment for anyone showing suspicious symptoms. Authorities have also been asked to maintain constant surveillance of poultry farms and enforce restrictions on the transportation of birds. The Bilaspur Municipal Corporation has been tasked with ensuring thorough sanitisation, cleanliness, and scientific waste management in the affected area. The SSP has directed police personnel to tighten security at the containment zone to prevent unauthorised entry. He also emphasised the need to curb rumours and ensure dissemination of accurate information to the public. The administration has appealed to citizens to follow official guidelines and promptly report any suspicious bird deaths to the authorities.