The State Government on Thursday sounded a bird flu alert following detection of the avian influenza virus in four villages under Krushnaprasad block of Puri district.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Secretary Vishal Gagan said a massive culling operation in the private poultry farms in the affected villages including Sana Sahi, Maluda and Patharganj would be undertaken from Friday.
He informed that earlier samples were sent to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal following death of some crows and chickens inside poultry farms in Krushnaprasad block on December 6.
"As per the reports received yesterday, avian influenza has been detected and already our rapid action team is on the spot and the process of culling of chickens would be taken up from tomorrow," said Gagan.
Official sources said directions have been issued for culling operations in one km radius of the epicentre and active surveillance would be maintained within 10 km radius.
Moreover, sale and consumption of eggs have also been banned in the district as a precautionary measure. Senior officials stated that no eggs would be served in midday meals (MDMs) to students in all the schools of the district.
