In Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, the outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has sparked significant concern among local authorities. Over the past few days, more than 4,400 chickens have died at a government poultry farm located in the Koni area. Following the confirmation of the infection, the district administration has initiated preventive measures on an urgent basis.

Dr. G.S. Tanwar, the Joint Director of the Veterinary Department, reported on Tuesday that between March 19 and 24, approximately 4,400 chickens succumbed to a viral infection at the government poultry farm, which housed a total of 5,037 birds.

Officials indicated that samples from the deceased birds were dispatched to laboratories in Bhopal and Pune on Monday. The Bhopal lab confirmed the presence of avian influenza in the dead chickens.

Following this confirmation, District Collector Sanjay Agrawal issued immediate directives under the 'Revised Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza (2021)'.

The statement revealed that a one-kilometer radius around the farm has been designated as an 'infected zone', while a ten-kilometer radius is classified as a 'surveillance zone'. According to protocols, all poultry birds, feed, and eggs within the infected zone will be destroyed, and movement in and out of this area will be strictly prohibited. Compensation will be provided to poultry owners by the Animal Husbandry Department.

Once the culling process is completed, the farm will be sealed off. Rapid response teams have been established to ensure the safe disposal of infected birds, monitor the situation, and implement sanitation measures in the affected area.

Health monitoring of the poultry farm staff is also underway. Any individual exhibiting symptoms will be tested and provided with antiviral medication if necessary.

Authorities have instructed continuous monitoring of poultry sales centers throughout the district. The district magistrate has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with officials, advising them to disregard rumors. So far, there have been no reported cases of infection in humans. Bird flu is a viral infection that spreads among birds and some mammals.