Amid rising cases of bird flu (H5N1) in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Karnataka has ramped up vigilance in its frontier districts—Belagavi, Bidar, Ballari, and Raichur. Authorities have intensified monitoring and halted poultry transportation from affected states to prevent contamination.

At a high-level meeting in Bengaluru, Health Department Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta instructed officials to track poultry workers and inspect vehicles ferrying birds. Though no infections have surfaced in Karnataka, uncertainty has triggered a decline in poultry demand, particularly in Belagavi and Bidar, since February 17.

A Belagavi district official, requesting anonymity, confirmed that poultry imports from Maharashtra had been suspended. He advised residents to rely on locally sourced chicken and eggs to ensure safety. Meanwhile, farmers are concerned about misinformation harming sales, despite no confirmed cases within the state.

The Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders’ Association has assured that poultry production remains steady. Vice President Manjesh Kumar Jadhav emphasized that the outbreak in neighboring regions has had minimal impact on Karnataka’s industry. The state continues to supply around four crore broiler chickens per month, leading to a dip in wholesale rates due to sufficient stock.

As authorities step up preventive measures, officials urge consumers not to panic and to follow safety guidelines. The state remains on alert, ensuring swift action if any cases emerge.