H5N1 bird flu confirmed in peacock deaths in Tumakuru district in Karnataka

An alert has been issued in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district after bird flu (H5N1) was confirmed in the deaths of around 40 peacocks. The deaths were reported over 10 days in April in the Kolihalli forest area. The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, confirmed the virus.  

Following this, the district administration got into action. A rapid response team was formed, and five villages — Kolihalli, Ullenahalli, Bommanahalli, Bhyirasandra and Kallalli have been placed under strict surveillance within a 10-kilometre radius.

Six people, mostly farmers who had contact with the dead birds, are under home quarantine and are being treated for symptoms. Around 26 forest officials who handled the carcasses are also under observation.

Deputy Commissioner Subha Kalyan held an emergency meeting with health and district officials and urged people not to panic but remain careful. Teams from forest, health, animal husbandry and local authorities are spreading awareness in affected areas.

As a precaution, meat and chicken shops in the region have been temporarily closed. Officials have advised people to report any unusual deaths of birds. On Friday, around 15 chickens reportedly died at a poultry farm in Bommanahalli, and their samples have been sent for testing.

Preventive steps like spraying disinfectants at poultry farms are being carried out. People have been advised to eat only properly cooked chicken.

Officials said this is the first time H5N1 has been reported in the district, and the source of infection is still not known