Taking serious cognizance of Bird Flu cases reported at the Government Poultry Farm in Koni, Bilaspur, the government has intensified surveillance and investigation. A four-member team of specialist doctors from AIIMS, Delhi, visited Bilaspur to assess the situation on the ground. The team inspected the infected poultry farm and nearby containment zones to evaluate the extent of the outbreak and the effectiveness of control measures. The experts conducted detailed interactions with poultry farm workers and examined their health status, focusing on preventing any possible transmission of Bird Flu to humans. Samples were collected from individuals suspected of exposure. The team also visited villages within a 10-kilometer radius, where medical check-ups and sample collection were carried out among residents. Preparedness of the local administration and Health Department was also reviewed. The central team is evaluating key containment measures, including culling of infected birds, safe disposal of carcasses, sanitisation, disinfection, and surveillance systems. They will recommend additional steps to prevent future outbreaks. Fresh guidelines on biosecurity, regular health monitoring, and continuous surveillance at poultry farms have also been issued. Authorities remain on high alert, and the public has been urged to exercise caution. Following confirmation of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Koni, the district administration has imposed a complete ban on the sale of chicken and eggs. District Collector Sanjay Agrawal stated that the ban applies to all, including hotels and restaurants.

 

Teams from the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation, Animal Husbandry, and Food Departments have ensured the closure of poultry farms, chicken shops, and related businesses across urban and rural areas. The restrictions have disrupted business worth nearly 2 crore per day within municipal limits. Rapid Response Teams have culled and safely disposed of over 25,000 poultry birds to contain the infection. According to Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr. G.S.S. Tanwar, strict enforcement measures are in place, with dedicated teams conducting continuous inspections. Sanitisation of the poultry farm and surrounding areas has been completed, and reports have been submitted to the central team. Authorities have warned of strict action against anyone attempting to bring chicken or eggs into the restricted zone, even from outside areas. While the situation is currently under control, monitoring continues across all parts of the district. Meanwhile, poultry traders have expressed strong concerns over the prolonged shutdown. A delegation led by Poultry Association President Vipul Biswas met Additional District Magistrate Shiv Kumar Banerjee, seeking permission to resume business. Traders reported that operations have been halted for nearly two weeks, affecting over 200 retail outlets and leaving hundreds unemployed. Many are struggling to pay wages, support families, and repay loans. The association has assured adherence to all safety protocols and requested conditional reopening of shops. Officials, however, stated that restrictions will remain until the central investigative team completes its assessment. A final decision will be taken only after submission of the team’s report.