Karnataka bars poultry vehicles from entering as neighbouring states report bird flu cases

Karnataka has imposed a high alert in its border districts — Belagavi, Bidar, Ballari, and Raichur, officials familiar with the matter said

With the outbreak of avian flu (H5N1) in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Karnataka has imposed a high alert in its border districts — Belagavi, Bidar, Ballari, and Raichur, officials familiar with the matter said, adding that surveillance has been increased and poultry trucks will be stopped from entering the state to curb the risk of infection.

Maharashtra’s Kolhapur and Latur districts, which share a border with Belagavi and Bidar, and the regions adjoining Telangana and Andhra Pradesh near Ballari and Raichur, have reported a rise in bird flu cases. (ANI)

During a meeting held in Bengaluru onMonday, principal secretary of the health department Harsh Gupta reviewed the situation and directed officials to monitor poultry workers and vehicles transporting poultry from the affected states. “Though no cases have been reported, we are on high alert to prevent the rapid spread of the virus among birds,” he said.

Maharashtra’s Kolhapur and Latur districts, which share a border with Belagavi and Bidar, and the regions adjoining Telangana and Andhra Pradesh near Ballari and Raichur, have reported a rise in bird flu cases.

Although no cases have been reported within Karnataka, poultry sales in Belagavi and Bidar districts have declined since February 17. “While no infections have been detected, panic fuelled by rumors has negatively impacted business,” Sameer Bahewadi, a poultry farm owner with outlets in Belagavi and Vijayapura, said.