Bird Flu: 10km Zone Around Mangli Village Declared ‘Alert Zone’

Chandrapur: The area in 10km radius around Mangli village in Brahmapuri taluka has been declared an ‘Alert Zone' on Tuesday after samples of dead poultry birds tested positive for bird flu (H5N1). The district administration has ordered stringent containment measures to prevent the spread of the infection.
Officials said unusual poultry deaths were reported in Mangli since January 25, following which the animal husbandry department collected samples and sent them to state-level Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory at Pune, and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. As the reports confirmed avian influenza (H5N1), collector Vinay Gowda, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority, directed immediate action.
"A rapid response team will conduct scientific culling operations in Mangli, Gewarlachak, and Junonatoli to contain the spread of infection. Movement of vehicles in the affected zone has been restricted, and private vehicles must be parked outside," the collector said. Dead birds will be disposed of following prescribed guidelines. Additionally, any remaining poultry feed, eggs, and other related materials in the affected areas will be scientifically destroyed, he added.
Authorities have also banned the transportation of live or dead poultry, eggs, poultry manure, bird feed, and related materials in the area. Public access near the affected poultry farms has been restricted, and other birds and animals are barred from entering the premises. The entrance and surroundings of farms will be disinfected with sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate solutions.
Additionally, all poultry markets, chicken shops, and related activities within a 5km radius will remain shut until further notice.
No Need to Panic, Says Administration
Officials have assured the public that cooked chicken and boiled eggs are completely safe for consumption. "There is no need for unnecessary fear or misinformation. If anyone notices unusual bird deaths, they should report it immediately to the nearest veterinary hospital or call the toll-free helpline 1962," the district collector urged.
The administration has appealed to citizens to refrain from spreading rumours and to cooperate with the containment efforts.