India - Bihar Avian Flu in Poultry 2025-2026

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Media
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Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Patna, Hospitals Put on Alert

March 9, 2025

Patna: A fresh outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Patna, with cases detected on the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus. In response, the Civil Surgeon’s Disaster Branch and the District Animal Husbandry Office have initiated containment measures, including the culling and burial of infected chickens. A large number of birds were destroyed on Saturday as part of the containment effort.

The Civil Surgeon’s office has directed hospitals to conduct fever surveys within a three-kilometre radius of the affected area and has issued precautionary advisories. Antiviral medications, including Tamiflu and Oseltamivir, will be distributed among local residents and workers in the affected zone.

The outbreak follows a previous instance on February 27, when bird flu was detected in dead crows near Jehanabad Police Line. Additionally, an inquiry committee of doctors has been formed after the unexplained deaths of several crows in Teghra village, Munger. The exact cause will be determined after laboratory testing.

Hospitals on High Alert

With the confirmation of the H5N1 virus at the ICAR campus, hospitals in Patna have been placed on alert. The Civil Surgeon’s office has issued directives for mandatory screenings of patients presenting with cold, fever, or respiratory issues to monitor potential human infections.

According to the epidemic unit of the Civil Surgeon’s office, chickens at the ICAR poultry farm began dying suddenly from February 27. The facility’s director alerted health officials, and samples were sent to a Bhopal laboratory for analysis. The affected birds were disposed of following influenza safety protocols.

On Saturday, test results from the Bhopal lab confirmed the presence of H5N1. In response, the Civil Surgeon’s office instructed the District Animal Husbandry Department to sensitise all block offices and implement preventive measures.

Authorities Urge Caution

Dr Avinash Kumar Singh, Patna’s civil surgeon, confirmed the outbreak at ICAR but stated that no other cases have been reported so far. “Hospitals and animal husbandry officials have been instructed to remain on high alert. Awareness campaigns, fever surveys, and antiviral distribution are being carried out within a three-kilometre radius of the affected area as a precautionary measure,” he said.

https://patnapress.com/bird-flu-outbreak-confirmed-in-patna-hospitals-put-on-alert/

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Media
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Bird flu: 30 human samples to be sent for testing; no need to panic, says civil surgeron

Patna: After bird flu cases, caused by H5N1 virus, were confirmed in poultry and other birds found dead on the premises of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Patna, on Feb 27, Patna civil surgeon Avinash Kumar Singh said on Sunday that they would also conduct human sampling on Monday of the people engaged on the poultry farms. The Bhopal laboratory, where the samples of the dead fowls were sent for testing, confirmed bird flu a couple of days back.

Following this, the authorities ordered culling of poultry at two farms in the adjoining areas of ICAR as a precautionary measure on Saturday.

Singh said that they were watchful of the situation. "To check the spread of H5N1 infection among humans, if any, we will also conduct human sampling on Monday of people who were engaged in collecting samples or culling of the poultry. And if anyone is found infected, we will have to take serious steps, as infection among humans should be avoided in order to prevent the spread," he said, adding things, however, appeared to be under control as of now. There is no need to get panicky, he said.


"Only those who handle the poultry, touch them and cleanse their excreta are at risk, and hence we are focusing on those groups, including the staff. We will take around 30 samples on Monday for testing," said the heath official.

Talking about the measures already taken, he said culling took place in the adjoining areas of ICAR.

"We are conducting a survey in a radius of 3km of the ICAR premises, and if need be, the coverage can be extended up to 10km. Till now (Sunday afternoon) we haven't received any more positive avian flu cases or news of poultry deaths of the level demanding an extension of the survey area. We have sent more bird samples for testing. If positive cases are confirmed or more deaths are reported, then high alert and advisory for public will be issued," said Singh.

To check its spread among humans, however, the authorities have distributed anti-viral tablets ‘Oseltamivir' commonly known as ‘Tamiflu' among the staff engaged in the survey work in the area and those in the poultry business in nearby localities. "We have arranged 500 tablets that will be used as per need," he said.

Humans infected with H5N1 virus experience symptoms of influenza-like illness, comprising fever, cough, runny nose and body ache, he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/bird-flu-30-human-samples-to-be-sent-for-testing-no-need-to-panic-says-civil-surgeon/articleshowprint/118819468.cms

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Google translation
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Bird flu hits Patna! H5N1 cases found in ICAR campus, administration issues helpline number
Updated: 09 Mar, 2025

The administration has become alert after the confirmation of bird flu (H5N1 virus) in Bihar's capital Patna. Bird flu infection has been confirmed in the investigation after the death of several chickens in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus.

Patna: The administration has become alert after the confirmation of bird flu (H5N1 virus) in Patna, the capital of Bihar. Bird flu infection has been confirmed in the investigation after the death of several chickens in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus. District Disaster Control Officer Sushant Kumar said that vigilance has been increased in view of the seriousness of the matter.

Helpline numbers issued after confirmation of infection
The administration has appealed to the general public that if there is sudden death of birds anywhere, then immediately inform on the given helpline number 9471002879. This will prevent the spread of infection.

Samples of ICAR personnel will be taken
Patna Civil Surgeon Dr. Avinash Kumar Singh said that bird flu has been confirmed in the ICAR campus, but there is no need to panic at the moment. To prevent the spread of infection, samples of the people present there will be taken and tested.

Sample sent to Bhopal lab, orders for survey in surrounding areas
After confirmation of bird flu, the sample has been sent to Bhopal lab for further investigation. Instructions have been given for survey and sanitization within a radius of 3 kilometers from the ICAR campus. Also, antiviral medicines are being distributed.

https://bihar.punjabkesari.in/national/news/bird-flu-in-patna-2117501

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[This is from a post made on Feb. 26. It tallks about the scientists with ICAR. I find it interesting that the above post (translated) states these chickens were found om the ICAR Campus]

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/india/h5n1-tracking-ah/india-tracking-by-state-territory/madhya-pradesh/1007449-india-h5n1-in-cats-in-chhindwara-madhya-pradesh?p=1008656#post1008656

"H5N1 is classically an avian virus, but certain mutations allow it to replicate in mammalian hosts. This adaptability raises concerns because influenza viruses have the potential to trigger pandemics, as seen in past outbreaks like Covid-19," a scientist said. Scientists from ICAR-NIHSAD and Union govt's animal husbandry department have documented the cases this Jan in Chhindwara, which borders Nagpur - where several big cats died of bird flu in Dec last year.

The scientific team identified the virus as belonging to the 2.3.2.1a lineage, a variant of H5N1 that has caused outbreaks in poultry across India. "These cases represent the first documented instances of this particular strain infecting domestic cats in India," the study says

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Bird Flu Outbreak in Patna: 200 Chickens Culled at ICAR Campus, Bihar Authorities on Alert
March 10, 2025


Patna : Health authorities have intensified surveillance at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus in Patna following an outbreak of bird flu. On Sunday, a medical team, along with officials from the District Animal Husbandry Office, culled 200 chickens at the Veterinary Campus farm to contain the spread of the virus.

The affected area, including the ICAR campus and a one-kilometre radius around it, has been sanitized as a precautionary measure. The district animal husbandry office has received 200 antiviral tablets, which will be administered to poultry displaying symptoms of avian influenza.

Dr Arun Kumar, the district animal husbandry officer, urged residents to ensure poultry is thoroughly cooked before consumption. He warned that the H5N1 virus, which primarily affects the lungs, can spread from birds to humans, causing symptoms such as high fever, cough, cold, and breathing difficulties.

Scientists and staff at the ICAR campus have been instructed to wear masks as part of containment efforts. Authorities remain on high alert to prevent further transmission.

https://patnapress.com/bird-flu-outbreak-at-icar-campus-200-chickens-culled-area-sanitized/

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Bird flu spreads in Bihar
March 10, 2025

State on high alert, with culling of chickens and ducks being ordered in a bid to stop spread

Bihar is on alert with cases of bird flu being confirmed in Patna and Bhagalpur districts. Authorities have ordered the culling of chickens and ducks at vulnerable places in a bid to stop the spread.

Government-run hospitals have been directed to be on alert, take precautions and treat patients coming with complaints of fever, running nose and breathlessness after conducting their blood tests, said officials on March 10, 2025

Chickens were found dead on the premises of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) in Patna on February 27, 2025. Their samples were sent for tests to Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Disease. The test results confirmed the birds had died from bird flu or H5N1, according to Patna Civil Surgeon Avinash Kumar Singh.

Culling of chickens was carried out on March 8 and 9 at two poultry farms close to the ICAR premises, after confirmation of bird flu was received.

Singh said in view of confirmation of bird flu, human sampling of staff or officials dealing with collecting samples of dead birds will be conducted on March 10. “Human sampling is a must to confirm if there is any infection among humans due to bird flu. Those involved in cleaning chicken excreta, feeding them and handling poultry are at risk.”

He told Down To Earth that he had released guidelines to all primary health centres and asked officials in charge to immediately inform epidemiologist Prashant Kumar Singh if there are any reports of unusual deaths of birds in their areas. “We have also appealed to people to inform their nearby hospital in case of deaths of birds.”

An official at ICAR said health department personnel have been distributing anti-viral tablets among poultry staff and officials engaged in culling, collecting samples of dead birds and survey works in neighbouring areas.

continued: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/healt...reads-in-bihar

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ICAR bird flu outbreak: All human samples test negative for infection

March 17, 2025

Patna: In a big relief, all five samples of the people — involved in culling of chickens following the detection of bird flu among the fowls on the campus of ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER), Patna — have tested negative for the H5N1 virus.

After the H5N1 virus infection was confirmed among the dead birds on the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-RCER campus over a fortnight ago, the human samples were taken on March 10 and sent to Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Agam Kuan, for testing.

"The samples of all five men among those engaged in the culling of chickens have turned out to be negative, and everything seems to be normal and under control. Hence nobody needs to panic because of the detection of the infection a few days back," said Dr Avinash Kumar Singh, Patna civil surgeon.

He, however, said that they wanted to send more samples, but only five of the staff members volunteered for getting tested for the virus. "We requested all the people engaged in the culling to get tested, but we cannot force anyone," said Singh.

Now, the animal husbandry department staff are keeping tabs over the developments. The health department has provided them with 200 anti-viral medicines for distribution as per requirement, said the civil surgeon.

Patna district animal husbandry officer Dr Arun Kumar said no new abnormal deaths among birds in the area under observation were reported in the last few days. "Weekly sanitization is being done and nothing suspicious has come to light. The situation is normal," said Dr Kumar. He further said that of the 200 anti-viral medicines provided by the health department, they have sent 90 to ICAR-RCER, where the infection was detected earlier.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/icar-bird-flu-outbreak-all-human-samples-test-negative-for-infection/articleshowprint/119117695.cms

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6374

[Shiloh]

Source: https://patnapress.com/bird-flu-outb...use-sanitised/


Bird Flu Outbreak Before Holi Prompts Alert in Patna and Sanitisation of Residence of Tejashwi Yadav
More than 4,500 chickens were culled and a one-kilometre infected zone declared in Patna after H5N1 bird flu was confirmed at a government poultry centre, prompting widespread sanitisation including at the residence of opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav days before Holi.
February 27, 2026
in Patna

Patna: The authorities in Patna have declared a bird flu outbreak in the state capital days before Holi, after more than 4,500 chickens at a government-run poultry centre tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

Officials said 4,575 chickens and roosters at the Poultry Research and Training Center in Chitkohra’s Kaushal Nagar were culled on Friday after laboratory tests confirmed infection. The centre operates under Bihar Animal Sciences University.

A one-kilometre radius around Kaushal Nagar-Chitkohra has been declared an infected zone, with intensive sanitisation carried out throughout the day. A further nine-kilometre radius has been designated a surveillance zone, where heightened monitoring is under way.

Among the premises sanitised as a precaution were the residences of several senior officials and politicians, including the leader of the opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and the state’s chief secretary, Pratyaya Amrit. The infected zone also encompasses the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, a popular zoo in the city...

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wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7319

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Bird Flu Kills 4,400 Chickens In Chhattisgarh; Surveillance Intensified

Mar 25, 2026

Raipur: At least 4,400 chickens have died following a bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak at a state-run poultry farm in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance within a 10-kilometre radius, officials said.

Veterinary Department's joint director Dr GS Tanwar on Tuesday said around 4,400 chickens died due to the viral infection at the government poultry farm in the Koni area between March 19 and 24.

A total of 5,037 chickens were housed at the facility, he said.

-snip-

Health monitoring of poultry farm workers is also being undertaken. Any individual showing symptoms will be tested, and antiviral medication will be provided if required, it said.

continued: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bird...text=Raipur%3A

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Previous post #10

Health monitoring of poultry farm workers is also being undertaken. Any individual showing symptoms will be tested, and antiviral medication will be provided if required, it said.

Over 22,000 poultry birds culled as bird flu outbreak hits central India
2026-03-25

Excerpt:

The health department has been asked to monitor the health of local residents and conduct necessary check-ups. According to officials, samples of all workers inside the government-owned poultry farm have been tested and found negative.

...https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/...08f2e86/c.html

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Translated
மார் 26, 2026


In Chhattisgarh, 4,400 chickens housed at a government poultry farm died due to the impact of bird flu. A total of 5,037 chickens were being reared at the government-owned poultry farm located in the Goni area of Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. Between the 19th and the 24th of this month, 4,400 of these chickens died suddenly. Upon learning of this, veterinary doctors collected samples from the deceased birds and dispatched them to laboratories in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) and Pune (Maharashtra). Dr. Tanwar, the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, confirmed that the laboratory in Bhopal subsequently verified that the deceased chickens were indeed infected with bird flu. Following this development, District Collector Sanjay Agarwal addressed the measures being taken to prevent the spread of bird flu in Bilaspur district, as well as the necessary precautionary steps to be implemented. He stated: "Bird flu is a type of viral infection that spreads among birds and mammals. To date, this infection has not spread to humans. Within a one-kilometer radius surrounding the farm—which is now designated as a disease-affected zone—all chickens, feed, and eggs will be completely destroyed."

https://www.dinamalar.com/amp/news/india-tamil-news/4400-chickens-die-in-chhattisgarh-due-to-bird-flu-infection/4182740

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Translation Google

Bird flu kills 2,700 chickens in 25 days: Remaining infected chickens will be buried, a one-km stretch in

Bhagalpur declared an infected zone.

Bhagalpur 5 hours ago

Since April 2nd, 2,700 chickens have died at Kukut Barari in Bhagalpur. The Animal Husbandry Department's investigation report has also been released, confirming bird flu. Samples were sent early in the investigation into the chicken deaths, and the report has now been released.

Now, any remaining poultry in the poultry area will be killed or thrown into a pit. The entire area will also be sanitized. A 1-km radius has been declared an infected zone. Monitoring is also being conducted within a 10-km radius.

The Animal Husbandry Department has issued instructions that any suspicious bird deaths observed anywhere in their area should be reported to the department. A team from Patna is also arriving today to inspect the poultry sector.

Infected birds are being identified

Animal Husbandry Officer Anjali Kumari Sinha said that the test report confirmed bird flu. The infected material will be disposed of scientifically. After this, the entire premises will be thoroughly sanitized.

Action will be taken according to protocols established by the Government of India. Departmental personnel are being deputed to the area to identify infected birds and assess their condition.

A team of officers and staff was formed

Anjali Kumari Sinha said that survey work has also been conducted in the surveillance area. Under the joint order of the District Magistrate, a joint team of officials and personnel from the Health Department, District Administration, Animal Husbandry Department, and other related departments has been formed, which is engaged in monitoring and implementing the entire campaign.

The animal husbandry officer said that so far about 2,700 birds have died.

https://www.bhaskar.com/g/local/bihar/bhagalpur/news/patna-team-report-animal-husbandry-dept-bird-flu-bihar-137798834.html