Bengaluru: Officials order culling amid Avian flu scare

Officials at Brihan Bengaluru Municipal Commission (BBMP) instructed poultry shops within a one-kilometre radius of Bhuvneshwari Nagar in Dasarahalli, Bengaluru to shut down to allow culling operations in order to prevent spreading on bird flu.

According to a report in India Today, the BBMP officials received information that one of the birds at a chicken centre in the area was infected with the H5N1 virus. 

The authorities then took a sample and sent it to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.

BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said, "An area of one-kilometre radius from the chicken centre at Bhuvaneshwari Nagar in Dasarahalli has been identified as an infected zone and the area within 10 km radius as surveillance zone."

He assured that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.

"We have taken all precautionary measures as it is a sensitive issue. We are also ensuring that the virus does not spread. The cullers have been told to take necessary safety measures. We will observe them and ensure that they do not become carriers. We have mobilised teams from all departments concerned and various teams have been formed to carry out surveillance in Dasarahalli and surrounding areas. Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner and BBMP officials are also keeping a watch on the situation," Dr Rajkumar Khatri, principal secretary, Animal Husbandry Department told Deccan Chronicle.

On Wednesday, over 800 birds were culled.