Bird Flu Outbreak Contained in Bengaluru, No Human Infections Reported: Karnataka Health Department
Authorities confirm successful containment of H5N1 outbreak at Hesaraghatta poultry centre after intensive monitoring.
The Karnataka Health Department has confirmed that the bird flu outbreak reported at a government poultry training centre in Hesaraghatta near Bengaluru has been successfully contained, with no human infections detected so far.
According to officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department, the outbreak was first identified on April 14 and later confirmed by laboratory tests conducted by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases. Following the confirmation, rapid response teams from both the state and district levels were deployed immediately to control the situation.
To prevent further spread, authorities established a containment zone within a 3-kilometre radius and a larger surveillance zone extending up to 10 kilometres around the affected site. Veterinary teams carried out culling of infected birds and safely disposed of eggs and contaminated feed under strict biosecurity protocols.
Health officials monitored more than 28,000 people across 22 nearby villages during a 10-day surveillance operation. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from quarantined staff were tested at the National Institute of Virology in Bengaluru and returned negative for the H5N1 virus. Additional test results from later samples are still awaited.
The department has instructed hospitals across Bengaluru to remain alert for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Medical facilities have also been directed to maintain sufficient stocks of protective gear, antiviral medicines, and testing materials.
On the veterinary side, authorities issued a sanitisation clearance for the affected site on April 21. Poultry operations at the centre will remain suspended for 90 days, during which regular disinfection activities will continue.
Officials have urged the public to avoid consuming or handling sick or dead poultry and to ensure all poultry products are properly cooked. They have also advised citizens to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading rumours or panic.