Bird flu alert: poultry farms under strict watch

Bagalkot

In district, large-scale poultry farming is prevalent. In light of reported cases of bird flu across various regions of the state, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department are exercising caution.

Rapid response teams have already been established at both the district and taluk levels to monitor the situation closely. There has been heightened alertness concerning cases of poultry deaths in the district.

In the Gulledgudda and Guduru regions, chickens are being raised primarily for egg production. Approximately 800,000 chickens are being raised in and around the Gulledgudda area, while there are around 700,000 chickens in and around Guduru.

In addition to egg production, chickens are also being raised in several poultry farms for meat, with flock sizes ranging from a thousand to a few thousand. Authorities are keeping an eye on the transportation of chickens, both into and out of the district.

Confirmed cases of bird flu have been identified in neighboring states, including Maharashtra, as well as in the Chikkaballapur, Bellary, and Raichur districts. 

If chickens contract bird flu, the only course of action is culling them, as there is currently no vaccine available for the disease. Preventive measures must be implemented in villages where bird flu is detected.

 Chickens are healthy, and there is no fear of bird flu in the district. There has been no change in the prices of eggs or chicken. Proper management practices are being followed,  stated one poultry farm owner.

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Instructions have been issued to prevent the transportation of chickens, as the movement can contribute to the spread of bird flu. Increased awareness measures have been recommended for the farms. According to Shivananad Karadigudda, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, no cases of bird flu have been reported in the district.