After the first case of bird flu was reported in Karnataka, the administration has become completely alert. The confirmation of H5N1 virus in a poultry farm near Bengaluru has raised concerns of both the health department and the animal husbandry department. Strict measures have been taken immediately to keep the situation under control, so that the spread of infection can be prevented and people’s safety can be ensured.

According to the information, a large number of chickens suddenly died in a poultry farm in Muthur village located near Hesarghatta on the outskirts of Bengaluru. After this the samples were sent for testing. The initial report on April 14 confirmed the H5N1 virus. As soon as this report came out, higher officials were immediately informed and teams of health, animal husbandry and district administration were sent to the spot. All the departments together made a plan to control the situation.

Strict steps taken to prevent infection

The administration took major action on April 16 to stop the spread of the virus. As a precaution, 7,444 chickens were destroyed. All of them were buried safely in a pit, so that the infection did not spread further. Along with this, the entire poultry farm and surrounding area has been sealed. Strict bio-security rules have been implemented there, which include ban on entry of outsiders and complete sanitization.

Employees quarantine, keep an eye on health

In view of the danger of infection, 10 employees working in the poultry farm have been kept in quarantine. So far, no symptoms of bird flu have been found in any of them, which is a matter of relief. Still the health department does not want to take any risk. Therefore, constant surveillance is being maintained in the surrounding areas and every suspicious case is being monitored.

54 shops and 36 villages under surveillance

Taking this matter seriously, the district administration has taken a large area of ​​the surrounding area under surveillance. A total of 54 chicken selling shops and 36 villages have been included in the surveillance zone. Sale of chickens, their movement and health are being regularly checked in these areas. Clear instructions have been given to the officers to strictly follow every rule.

Fear of spread from the lake

Officials believe that the nearby lake could be the source of this infection. Migratory and wild birds visit the reservoir located in Hesarghatta area. There is a possibility that the virus may have reached the poultry farm through contact with these birds. Keeping this fear in mind, monitoring of lakes and other water sources has also been increased, so that any further danger can be prevented in time.

The administration appealed to the people

The Health Department has said that at present there is no need for the general public to panic, because the situation is under control. However, people have been advised to remain cautious. The government has appealed not to pay attention to any rumor and if any case of sick bird or sudden death comes to light, then immediately inform the administration. All the departments together are continuously monitoring the situation.

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

If a person has bird flu, he may show some common symptoms, such as:
high fever
fatigue and weakness
cough and sore throat
Eye infection (conjunctivitis)
diarrhea or vomiting
runny or blocked nose
muscle pain
respiratory distress
If any of these symptoms appear, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

How to protect?

Some easy precautions can be adopted to avoid bird flu:
Keep distance from sick or dead birds
Use mask, gloves and goggles when in contact with poultry or animals
Take special care of the cleanliness of the living space of animals and birds.
Be careful even when touching pets
Report any suspicious bird to a veterinarian immediately
Wash hands thoroughly after touching animals
Do not consume unboiled or unpasteurized milk
Get flu vaccine on time