The district administration of Puri began culling of chickens in villages near Chilika lake after the state government announced that the area has been affected by bird flu, officials said.
The culling was called for after the H5N1 virus was detected in samples of cows and birds.
“Compensation will be provided to those being affected by the culling,” said Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister, Pradeep Maharathy, while confirming the culling.
As many as 400 poultry were culled on Friday in the villages Maluda and Patharaganj, according to an official. While, a direction has also been put in place, asking officials to surveil an area of 10 km around the affected area.
Besides, the district has also restricted serving of eggs in mid-day meals of schools.
Earlier, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development secretary Vishal Gagan had said to the media that, “Bird culling within a radius of 1km from the affected area has been suggested to the collector of Puri. The culling will start on Friday.”
A team of forest and veterinary officials had sent 300+ samples to the Animal Disease Research Institute.
