New Delhi- The Odisha government has decided to cull 20,000 birds to prevent the spread of bird flu to other regions of the state. The decision was taken after the bird flu was detected in several poultry farms of Pipli town in Puri district.

The state government’s Animal Husbandry Department has initiated the process of culling, which is expected to take several days, said a statement. All protocols are being strictly followed, it added.

In addition to culling, the government is also implementing extensive disinfection measures in the affected areas. Pipili residents have been asked to avoid contact with birds and report any sick or dead poultry to the authorities immediately. A temporary ban has also been imposed on the sale and transportation of poultry products from the region.

The situation is being closely monitored by health and veterinary authorities. The outbreak of bird flu is a matter of concern as it could adversely affect human health. Bird flu usually circulates in animals but it can also infect humans. However, direct contact with an infected animal is required for human infection.

Dr Jaganath Nanda, Additional Director of Disease Control at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Odisha, said, “On August 17, we received a report from the Pipili area indicating that 1,800 birds had died under unusual circumstances. A team was immediately dispatched to the site to collect samples, which were then sent to Bhopal for testing. The results, received on August 23, confirmed the presence of bird flu. Consequently, culling operations commenced on August 24 in both the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks. The culling process is going on and we will pay Rs 20 and Rs 70 for as per their size.”