In a proactive move to curb the spread of bird flu, the Chandrapur district administration in Maharashtra has declared Mangli village and its surrounding areas within a 10km radius as an 'alert zone.' This decision follows the confirmation of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry birds in Mangli village, located in Brahmapuri tehsil, on January 25.
Under the directive of Vinay Gowda, Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and district collector, a comprehensive set of measures has been instituted to prevent further spread. A rapid response team has been tasked with conducting scientific culling operations in the affected areas of Mangli, Gevarlachak, and Junonatoli. Dead birds will be safely disposed of, and any remaining animal feed and eggs will be destroyed in accordance with guidelines.
To ensure containment, the movement of vehicles and transportation of live and dead poultry, eggs, bird feed, and related materials has been strictly prohibited within the alert zone. Additionally, poultry and chicken shops within a 5km radius of the infection site will remain closed until further notice. The administration has mandated the disinfection of poultry farm entrances and premises using sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate.
Public access to the affected poultry farms is restricted, and other birds and animals are barred from entering these premises. Officials emphasize that cooked chicken and boiled eggs remain safe for consumption. They urge citizens to promptly report any unusual bird deaths to the nearest veterinary hospital or via the toll-free helpline 1962.
The district administration appeals to the public to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate fully with the containment efforts to ensure the health and safety of the community.