Odisha Culls 20,000 Chickens Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

The Odisha state government has initiated a mass culling of approximately 20,000 chickens in the Pipili area of Puri district following the confirmation of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The outbreak was triggered by the death of about 1,800 birds at a local poultry farm, prompting a rapid response from veterinary teams. On the first day of culling, 300 birds were killed, followed by an additional 4,700 the next day. Farmers in the area are expressing dissatisfaction over compensation amounts, which are set at Rs 20 for small chickens and Rs 60 for larger ones, amidst fears of substantial financial loss. Authorities have assured that the culling is necessary to prevent further spread of the virus, which poses risks to both animal and human health. The situation has raised concerns regarding the impact on local poultry farmers and the potential for trade restrictions due to the outbreak.