Ballari: Cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been confirmed in Sandur taluk, raising concerns after a similar outbreak in Raichur. The virus has led to the deaths of over 4,000 chickens in the region.

The outbreak was first detected at the Kurekuppa Livestock Breeding and Training Centre near Torangallu, where a large number of Aseel chickens were being bred for local farmers. Ansar Ahmed, Project Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, confirmed that the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal identified the virus on February 25. This prompted authorities to cull around 2,000 chickens at the facility.

Following this, reports emerged of additional poultry deaths across farms in the district, with approximately 200 birds dying daily. Tests confirmed bird flu as the cause. In response, district officials have implemented strict surveillance, including checkpoints at the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with restrictions on poultry and egg imports from neighboring states.

Deputy Commissioner Prashanth Kumar Mishra held an emergency meeting with officials and assured the public that the affected area has been contained, minimizing the risk of further spread. Authorities have urged poultry workers to undergo testing, though no human cases have been reported so far.