Bird flu hits Odisha: Contamination confirmed in Khordha, mass culling begins

The Odisha government, on Saturday, confirmed an outbreak of bird flu (avian influenza) in Mundaamba village of Khordha district, weeks after a poultry scare in Delang block of Puri raised early alarm bells.

According to sources, samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, yesterday returned positive, confirming the presence of the H5N1 virus. In view of this, a massive containment and culling operation has now been launched.

Officials stated that over a dozen rapid response teams have been deployed to the affected area. A one-kilometre radius around the epicentre has been declared a surveillance and containment zone, where culling of infected and exposed birds is underway.

The confirmation comes nearly three weeks after unusual poultry deaths in the Delang block of Puri district sparked early fears of bird flu. On July 9, locals reported that more than 3,000 chickens died across multiple poultry farms in the area.

Following the spike in mortality, authorities collected blood and faecal samples for testing and formed a three-member Rapid Response Team to investigate. Though the tests were pending at the time, the deaths triggered panic among poultry traders and consumers. Local veterinary officials then stepped up biosecurity measures, fearing a possible spillover to neighbouring districts.

Chicken Sales Crash As Fish Prices Rise

The scare has had a cascading impact on Odisha’s poultry economy. In Bhubaneswar, once-busy chicken markets have gone quiet. Sources cited traders who said that consumer confidence has plummeted, leading to a sharp drop of Rs 50 to Rs 80 per kilogram in chicken prices over the past fortnight.

In contrast, fish and seafood markets have seen a surge, with prices of prawns, crabs, and freshwater fish rising by Rs 50 to Rs 100 per kg. Hoteliers and fast-food chains across the capital have also confirmed that chicken dishes are seeing fewer takers, replaced by seafood offerings.

Containment Tightens In Khordha And Puri

Apart from Mundaamba in Khordha, the administration has increased surveillance in areas like Balianta, Balipatna, and Jankia. In Puri district, Delang, Pipili, and Satyabadi continue to remain under watch as a precautionary step.