Bhubaneswar: In the wake of bird flu threat in four blocks of Puri district, the district administration has banned poultry farming for three months within one km radius of the affected areas.
On Friday, the administration said poultry farming can’t be taken up in Satyabadi, Delang, Nimapara and Pipili blocks until further orders. So far, more than 49,860 birds have been culled.
Chicken samples will be tested every 15 days in affected areas. “If those return negative, the officer concerned will take a call on whether to allow farming or not, after assessing the situation. Also, chicken transportation will remain confined to a 10 km radius so that the virus is contained,” said Umesh Behera, joint director, fisheries and animal resources development (FARD) department.
The H5N1 virus was also detected in limited pockets of Kendrapada district after which the local administration swung into action to cull the chicken and take containment measures.
Behera said apart from the four blocks, other areas in Puri district have not been affected by bird flu and chicken from these areas can be transported outside. To transport the chicken, vendors from the free zone can obtain a certificate from us and produce it at the check post that we have set up. Chicken can be sold within a 10 km radius of the affected areas if the samples return negative after testing,” Behera added.
With bird flu virus being detected in areas close to the capital city, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) advisory regarding chicken sale and consumption remains in force.
BMC said all chicken traders have been asked not to buy chicken from Puri or Kendrapada as there is possibility of spread of infection. Also, if any bird or chicken is found dead due to disease, it should be brought to the notice of the veterinary surgeon concerned or ward officer. No dead chicken carcass should be thrown in the open. While disposing it, people should wear masks and hand gloves.

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