Bengaluru: The Karnataka health department on Saturday confirmed that no human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) have been detected so far after completing a 10-day intensive surveillance and containment operation. The operation followed the detection of the highly pathogenic virus at the state poultry rearing training centre in Mathkuru village, Hesaraghatta.
Outbreak Response and Containment
The outbreak, first identified on April 14, prompted the immediate deployment of state and district rapid response teams, along with local primary health centre staff. Authorities established a 0-3 km infected zone and a 3-10 km surveillance zone. The animal husbandry department culled all birds and disposed of eggs and contaminated feed in line with biosecurity protocols.
Health Surveillance and Testing
As part of the containment strategy, health teams surveyed a population of 28,172 across 22 villages within the 10-km radius. Health department officials said nasopharyngeal samples collected from quarantined staff on day 5 tested negative for H5N1. Samples collected on day 10 are awaiting results. The department has directed all healthcare facilities in Bengaluru to continue monitoring influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, while ensuring adequate stocks of protective equipment and antiviral medication.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities have imposed a 90-day ban on poultry activity at the affected centre as a precaution. Periodic disinfection of the premises is planned every 15 days. The public has been advised to avoid handling sick or dead poultry, ensure proper cooking of meat and eggs, and report any unusual bird deaths to authorities. They are also urged to refrain from spreading unverified information.
