Raigarh,01-02-2025: A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, prompting authorities to take swift action to contain the spread of the highly contagious H5N1 virus. The outbreak was detected at a state-run poultry farm in Chakradhar Nagar after several birds were found dead. Their samples were sent for testing to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, and the results received late Friday night confirmed the presence of the virus. Following this confirmation, the Raigarh administration immediately sprang into action, with Collector Kartikeya Goel convening an emergency meeting with senior officials to strategize containment measures.
As per standard procedure, municipal corporation staff, along with veterinary and health department teams, conducted a massive culling operation overnight to prevent further spread of the virus. Approximately 5,000 chickens and 12,000 quails were culled, while 17,000 eggs and poultry feed were destroyed to eliminate any possible sources of infection. The entire affected poultry farm has been sealed, and strict containment measures have been put in place. Authorities have declared a one-kilometer radius around the farm as an ‘infected zone’ and a ten-kilometer radius as a ‘surveillance zone’ to monitor and control the outbreak. Within the infected zone, all poultry birds, eggs, and feed will be destroyed, and their movement has been completely restricted. Poultry farms and egg-selling shops within the surveillance zone have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The animal husbandry department has assured compensation to poultry farm owners affected by these containment efforts.
To prevent any further spread of the virus, officials have stepped up surveillance in the surrounding areas. Special teams have been deployed to enforce restrictions, ensure proper sanitization, and monitor any potential signs of infection. The affected premises have undergone thorough disinfection to minimize risks. Authorities have confirmed that no human infections have been reported so far, and there is no immediate danger to public health. Raigarh health department stated that bird flu primarily spreads among birds and animals, with no documented cases of human transmission in India. However, as a precautionary measure, health department teams will conduct door-to-door surveys within a one-kilometer radius of the affected poultry farm. Residents displaying symptoms such as fever will be provided immediate medical attention.
Health officials have urged people to remain alert and report any flu-like symptoms while following recommended hygiene practices. The public has been advised not to panic and to cooperate with the containment measures to ensure the outbreak is controlled effectively. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates will be provided as necessary.