Bird Flu Outbreak: Soreng District Under Containment

Soreng District is under a containment order due to confirmed cases of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, detected in local poultry farms. Official notifications on February 23 identified infected zones in specific wards and GPUs within the district, declaring entire GPU areas as surveillance zones. These zones will have their exact boundaries notified by the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department.

Movement of live poultry, birds, eggs, meat, feed, and related materials into or out of the infected zones is prohibited with immediate effect. The district police will establish and monitor check-posts in coordination with veterinary officials. The order mandates humane culling of infected and exposed poultry according to government protocols, alongside the safe disposal of carcasses and contaminated materials through burial or incineration.

Live bird markets within the infected zones have been closed until further notice, and sanitization and disinfection drives are being conducted. The Chief Medical Officer is monitoring exposed individuals and ensuring the availability of necessary medical supplies and facilities. Health workers will conduct community-level awareness and surveillance. The District Animal Husbandry Department is the nodal agency for inter-departmental coordination, with violations subject to penalties under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.