Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur / Bilaspur
Raipur / Bilaspur, Mar 25: Authorities launched an emergency response after thousands of chickens died ????? at a government poultry farm in the Koni area, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of Avian Influenza.
The outbreak caused panic after around 4,744 chickens perished within a few days at the state-run facility, which housed over 5,000 birds. Officials reported that the deaths occurred between March 19 and March 24, prompting immediate sample collection and testing at laboratories in Bhopal and Pune.
According to G. S. Tanwar, joint director of the Veterinary Department, results confirmed the highly contagious virus late Tuesday night, triggering swift containment actions.
Authorities have since culled and buried over 22,000 birds, including hatchlings, along with 80 quintals of feed and related materials to prevent further spread. Sanitisation of equipment is also underway. Samples from farm workers have tested negative so far, providing some relief.
To contain the outbreak, officials have declared a one-kilometre radius around the farm as an infected zone and a 10-kilometre radius as a surveillance zone. Movement of poultry, eggs, and related materials has been completely banned within these areas.
The administration has also imposed restrictions on meat sales within the affected radius and initiated public announcements to alert residents. Poultry owners have been instructed to keep birds indoors and report any unusual deaths immediately.
Both the Health Department and Animal Husbandry Department have intensified monitoring efforts. While health teams are keeping a close watch on local residents, veterinary teams are inspecting nearby farms and enforcing strict biosecurity protocols.
Officials have urged the public to remain cautious but not panic, assuring that all necessary steps—including culling, disposal, and surveillance—are being carried out scientifically. The affected poultry farm will be sealed after the containment process is completed.