A fresh outbreak of bird flu (H1N1 strain) has hit Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district, claiming the lives of more than 5,000 chickens in the past week. The deaths have been reported mainly from poultry farms in Kichha and Khatima blocks, prompting authorities to enforce strict containment measures.
Containment Measures District officials have ordered a ban on the sale and transportation of poultry products within a 10-km radius of the affected farms. Entry of visitors into farms and live bird markets in the region has also been restricted. Sanitisation drives have been launched, and farms are being disinfected to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pantnagar University Findings At the Pantnagar University poultry farm, where more than 2,000 birds had recently died, tests ruled out bird flu as the cause of mortality. Authorities are now probing other possible factors, though precautionary restrictions remain in place.
Wider Vigilance Animal husbandry officials have extended bio-security protocols to nearby zoos, rescue centres, and sanctuaries, including those in Almora and Jim Corbett National Park, to protect other species from potential infection. Farmers and poultry workers have been advised to wear protective gear, avoid handling sick birds, and immediately report unusual bird deaths.
Economic Impact The outbreak has caused alarm among local poultry farmers, with fears of significant financial losses due to culling and sales restrictions. Poultry contributes substantially to the rural economy of Udham Singh Nagar, one of the state’s largest producers of chicken and eggs.
Government’s Appeal Officials have urged people not to panic and clarified that properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat, as cooking destroys the virus. The situation is being closely monitored by the district administration in coordination with the Animal Husbandry Department.
