Bird flu containment measures intensified in Soreng

NAWDEEP SHARMA

SORENG,: Containment and surveillance operations in Soreng district have been further intensified following the detection of Avian Influenza (H5N1, bird flu) in certain poultry farms at Ward No. 4, Buriakhop Rengang under Buriakhop GPU, and Ward No. 3, Songri under Takuthang Chuchen GPU, both in Soreng district.

A day after the Soreng district magistrate issued a formal containment order, senior officials from the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Health departments visited the affected area to oversee ground-level implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services additional director Dr Kishor Thapa, who is actively supervising the operation, confirmed that Avian Influenza has been detected at Buriakhop Ward No. 4 and that the SOP advisory has already been issued. He stated that a multi-departmental team comprising all required officials has been deployed at the site.

Dr Thapa informed that a 1-kilometre radius from the infected location has been declared the infected (focal) zone, where humane culling of all birds will be carried out strictly as per Government of India protocols. The culling operation will commence from the outer perimeter and gradually move towards the epicentre to minimise the risk of contamination. He further added that an isolated and secure burial and disposal site has already been identified for the safe scientific disposal of culled birds and contaminated materials.

Dr Thapa further stated that a 10-kilometre radius from the infected point has been declared the surveillance zone. Dedicated teams will continuously monitor poultry and bird populations in this area, with samples to be collected every weekend until all test results return negative and the situation is fully brought under control.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Soreng district, Dr Smriti Rai, along with her medical team, was present on-site to monitor public health preparedness. The Health department is closely tracking any potential human exposure and ensuring readiness in terms of preventive care and early response.

As part of community-level preparedness, Health Educator (IEC) Awiral Subba conducted a training and awareness session for ASHA workers of the affected area. He briefed them on avian influenza, its symptoms, preventive measures and reporting protocols, highlighting the crucial role of ASHA workers who remain directly connected to households at the grassroots level.

Animal Husbandry minister Puran Kumar Gurung on Tuesday said the State government is closely monitoring the situation and that a detailed report will be placed in the public domain. He stated that avian influenza outbreaks have occurred in the past and are managed as per established bio-security and containment protocols.

“Immediate action is being taken upon detection, including humane culling of affected birds to prevent further spread. Disinfection and sanitisation drives are underway, the required medicines have already been supplied and spraying equipment has been updated to strengthen the response,” said Gurung.  He urged the public not to panic and assured that poultry farmers and individuals who have suffered losses will be compensated as per government norms.

Authorities have reiterated that strict restrictions on the movement of live poultry, birds, eggs, meat, feed and related materials remain in force within the infected zone. All live bird markets in the area will remain closed until further orders. Residents have been urged to cooperate with officials and avoid panic, as containment and surveillance measures are being rigorously implemented to prevent further spread.

Health authorities have emphasized that proper hygiene, avoidance of contact with sick or dead birds, and adherence to official advisories remain the most effective safeguards for the public.