The Karnataka Health Department announced the containment of a bird flu outbreak at a government poultry training center in Hesaraghatta near Bengaluru after a 10-day intensive surveillance effort. No human cases have been reported. The outbreak, confirmed on April 14, triggered immediate containment measures by State and District Rapid Response Teams.
An infected zone within 0-3 km and a surveillance zone spanning 3-10 km were established around the outbreak site. Culling of birds at the affected center and safe disposal of eggs and feed were conducted. Over 28,000 people in 22 villages within the 10-km surveillance zone were monitored for 10 days, following standard guidelines for surveillance and sanitation activities.
Health officials reported negative H5N1 test results from nasopharyngeal samples of quarantined staff on the fifth day. Additional samples are being tested. No human cases have been found in the infected or surveillance zones. Healthcare facilities in Bengaluru are instructed to monitor Influenza-Like Illness and maintain necessary medical supplies.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services issued a sanitization certificate for the affected area and suspended poultry-related activities for 90 days. Periodic disinfection through fumigation and spraying will be carried out. The public is advised against handling or consuming poultry from sick birds and to report any such incidents promptly.
Authorities emphasize the importance of following official health advisories and avoiding the spread of unverified information or panic. The outbreak was confirmed based on a report from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.
