Navapur Bird Flu Scare: Massive Chicken Cull Underway

In Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, specifically in Navapur, authorities are undertaking a significant operation to cull 1.40 lakh chickens due to a bird flu outbreak. This large-scale culling process is anticipated to be finished within a five-day timeframe. As of Friday and Saturday, 11,000 chickens were culled from the Diamond poultry farm, identified as the origin of the infection.

Two adjoining farms, Tasleen and Sule, along with four other nearby farms, are also included in the culling. This measure covers all seven farms located within a one-kilometer radius. Twenty-five rapid response teams have been established to expedite the process, ensuring scientific disposal methods are employed. Birds are sedated prior to culling, and affected eggs are also being destroyed and buried.

To prevent further transmission, chickens within a 1-km radius of the infected farm are being culled, and a 3-km containment zone has been declared. Enhanced surveillance, including monitoring poultry blood samples and zoo environments, is in effect. Citizens are advised not to panic and to report any unusual bird mortality to local veterinary officers or the revenue administration immediately, while strictly adhering to bio-safety guidelines.