Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 19: Karnataka has imposed a strict ban on poultry imports from neighbouring states following reports of bird flu outbreaks in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Though Karnataka has not reported any cases of avian influenza, precautionary measures have been put in place to prevent its spread.
Authorities have confirmed that the H5N1 virus is responsible for poultry deaths in Telangana, raising concerns in Karnataka’s border districts. Poultry traders in Bengaluru are also on high alert, and strict monitoring has been implemented to prevent the entry of infected birds.
Hundreds of poultry deaths have been reported in Andhra Pradesh's Gudur, Sullurpet, Naidupet, and Venkatagiri areas, causing panic among residents. The Karnataka government fears the virus could spread through poultry imports, prompting restrictions in border districts such as Bidar, Belagavi, and Ballari.
As a preventive measure, Karnataka has halted the import of poultry and eggs from affected states. However, despite the absence of bird flu cases within the state, rising temperatures have led to a decline in poultry sales.
Following the detection of bird flu in Maharashtra’s Latur, Karnataka’s Bidar district has been placed on high alert. The Animal Husbandry Department has imposed restrictions on poultry and egg transportation from Maharashtra, and check posts have been set up in Bhalki, Kamalnagar, Basavakalyan, and Aurad taluks for strict monitoring.
Bird flu symptoms in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, nausea, cold, and respiratory issues. Health experts advise seeking immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also spread to humans. Several strains of the virus, including H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H5N8, have caused global concern in recent years.
The H5N1 virus was first detected in humans in 1997 and has a high fatality rate of around 60%, according to the World Health Organization. While the virus is highly contagious among birds and animals, human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed. The H5N8 strain has not yet been reported in humans.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any outbreak in Karnataka.