Bird Flu Alert: Gorakhpur bans chicken sale for 3 weeks
According to chief veterinary officer (CFO) Dr Bhupendra Singh, samples testing positive were collected from Jhugiya Bazar, Aluminium Factory area, Taramandal, Bhagat Crossing, and localities near Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park. As part of containment measures, authorities have begun culling birds in affected areas.
On Saturday, 695 birds were culled from 19 poultry shops identified within the hotspots. A one-kilometre containment zone has been declared around the affected sites. A quick response team and a control room have also been activated to monitor the evolving situation, the CFO informed.
Officials said that the H5 strain was also found in a sample taken from Tigress Shakti, who died at Gorakhpur Zoo on May 7. In response, the animal husbandry department collected 1,328 samples from poultry farms and vendors across the district for further testing at NIHSAD. Surveillance has been stepped up across Gorakhpur to track any new signs of the virus.
Zoo deputy director Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh confirmed that no other animals have tested positive. However, the zoo will remain closed for at least another week beyond June 3 as a preventive measure. 'Authorities are awaiting results for five more samples taken from the premises.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
PMC seeks explanation from zoo authorities over deer deaths
After laboratory reports confirmed that foot and mouth disease (FMD) caused the recent deaths of 16 spotted deer at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed zoo authorities to submit a detailed explanation. In response, the zoo's health advisory committee implemented emergency biosecurity measures and carried out preventive vaccinations for the remaining animals. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) 'The civic chief has issued instructions. Further action will follow once the report is submitted,' said Omprakash Diwate, additional municipal commissioner. Between July 6 and July 12, the Katraj zoo reported the deaths of 16 spotted deer — 14 females and two males — triggering serious concerns about the zoo's health monitoring and safety protocols. In response, the zoo's health advisory committee implemented emergency biosecurity measures and carried out preventive vaccinations for the remaining animals. Food, water, and blood samples were sent to national laboratories for analysis. On July 25, reports from the ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar) and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal) confirmed that all 16 deer died due to FMD. Following the confirmation, PMC has asked the zoo director to submit a comprehensive report outlining the sequence of events, initial detection, response measures taken, and whether there was any human error or negligence. 'If any lapses are found, strict action will be taken against officials or staff,' Diwate said.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Bird flu confirmed in Khurda; over 4,500 birds culled, containment measures intensified
BHUBANESWAR: After Delanga in Puri district, bird flu has now been confirmed in Khurda, prompting the administration to launch intensive containment measures. The outbreak of avian influenza was detected in Mundamba village after several poultry birds died under mysterious circumstances at a private farm over the last few days. Veterinary officials collected samples and sent those to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. Laboratory reports confirmed the presence of the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza virus. The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) department swung into action following the confirmation. A one-km radius around the epicentre has been declared a surveillance zone with movement of poultry and related products strictly restricted. Culling operations have also been initiated in the surrounding areas to prevent further spread of the disease. Eleven rapid response teams (RRTs) have been deployed in the affected area. As a precautionary measure, over 4,500 chickens have been culled in Mundamba. The RRTs have collected samples from poultry farms within a 10-km radius, which have been sent to NIHSAD for testing. They are conducting door-to-door awareness drives, urging residents to promptly report any unusual bird deaths and avoid contact with sick or dead birds. 'Surveillance and bio-security measures are being strictly enforced in the affected zone. The administration is on high alert. All necessary steps are being taken to contain the spread of avian influenza and protect both poultry health and public safety,' said a senior veterinary official. Earlier this month, a similar outbreak was reported from Delanga area, where more than 6,000 birds were culled.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Reports confirm deer deaths due to foot and mouth disease
PUNE: The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj lost approximately 16.33% of its deer population in just six days this July due to a highly contagious viral outbreak. Laboratory reports from the ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar) and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal) have confirmed that 16 spotted deer died between July 6 and 12 due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). New Delhi, India - April 4, 2017: A group of spotted deer at Delhi Zoo in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Ravi Choudhary/ Hindustan Times) (Ravi Choudhary/HT PHOTO) Health experts noted that FMD is especially prevalent during the monsoon season and primarily affects grazing animals such as deer and cattle. The increased moisture during this period enables rapid transmission of the virus in the environment. Zoo authorities said they had initiated preventive measures, such as biosecurity protocols and vaccinations, as soon as a viral infection was suspected. Encouragingly, no further deer deaths have been reported since July 15, suggesting that the outbreak may now be contained. Over the six days, a total of 16 deer — including at least 14 females and 2 males — were reported dead. Dr Ghanshyam Pawar, veterinary officer at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, confirmed that FMD was the cause of the deaths. 'Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and typically spreads through airborne particles. It can also be transmitted through contaminated feed, water, or even by human movement between infected and healthy animals,' he said. While the disease has been confirmed, the source of the outbreak remains unknown, something not uncommon in viral infections, Pawar added. Dr Satish Pande, a conservationist and researcher involved in zoonotic disease awareness, emphasised that FMD is common among herbivores during the rainy season. 'In the wild, such cases often go undetected. However, because these deer were in captivity, the outbreak was identified and confirmed early,' he said. Dr Pande stressed the importance of preventive care, including vaccination and enclosure hygiene, to minimise the risk of such outbreaks. He added that while FMD is serious, it does not pose the same level of threat as bird flu. 'Bird flu is far more dangerous. It affects both domestic and wild species and can cause major economic losses, especially in the poultry and dairy sectors,' he explained. 'Laboratory tests conducted by national institutes have confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as the cause of the deer deaths. On Friday, we held a meeting with the zoo's health advisory committee to review the findings and assess the ongoing precautionary measures. Experts noted that FMD severely weakens the immune system in deer, who are already highly sensitive to stress and environmental changes, making them more vulnerable. Thanks to the swift response of our team and the support of national and state-level institutes and health experts, we have been able to significantly reduce the mortality rate. The situation is now under control, and the remaining animals are showing signs of recovery,'said Rajkumar Jadhav, director, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Spotted deer (Axis deer), protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are a keystone species in Indian forests. Recognised by their reddish-brown coats and white spots, they play a vital ecological role as grazers and are a key part of the prey base for predators like tigers and leopards. In zoos, they are among the most admired animals—especially by children—due to their calm nature and graceful appearance. Their herd behaviour and constant activity also make them ideal for public viewing and wildlife education. The deaths underscore the vulnerability of captive animals and the importance of rapid response and transparency in such crises. Zoo officials have assured that updates will be shared once lab reports clarify the cause of death.
