Following reports of bird flu in Ballari and Chikkaballapur, the Health and Animal Husbandry Department has urged strict monitoring of poultry farms and meat shops in Udupi district. Though no cases have been detected, authorities stress preventive measures to curb potential outbreaks.

Poultry Sector Overview

🔹 334 poultry farms house 12.50 lakh broiler chickens
🔹 One egg-laying farm with 35,000 layer hens
🔹 2.50 lakh backyard chickens across villages

Essential Precautions for Poultry Farmers

✅ Maintain strict farm hygiene and use disinfectants
✅ Report abnormal chicken deaths to veterinarians
✅ Prevent wild birds from accessing poultry areas
✅ Properly dispose of dead birds through burial

Safety Guidelines for the Public

🚫 Avoid touching sick or dead birds
🧼 Wash hands with soap after handling poultry
🥚 Cook chicken and eggs thoroughly before eating
👶 Keep children away from stray birds
🚨 Report unusual bird deaths to local authorities

District Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumari has assured vigilant monitoring and swift response to any suspected cases.