H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak Confirmed in Hesaraghatta; Containment Measures Underway
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has confirmed an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza at a poultry rearing training centre in Mathkuru village, Hesaraghatta, based on a report from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal dated April 14, 2026.
Following confirmation, all containment measures have been initiated as per established protocols. A State Rapid Response Team (RRT), District RRT, and Primary Health Centre (PHC) team visited the affected site on April 16, 2026.
Mathkuru village has been declared an “Infected Zone” within a 0–3 km radius, while the surrounding 3–10 km area, including PHC Hesaraghatta and Sonnenahalli, has been designated as a “Surveillance Zone.”
As part of containment efforts, the Veterinary Department culled and scientifically disposed of 7,444 birds, 14,788 eggs, and 2,250 kg of poultry feed on April 15, 2026. The burial site has been secured and declared a prohibited area for one year. Additionally, 10 cullers involved in the operation have been quarantined and are under medical supervision with Oseltamivir prophylaxis.
Health officials reported that two villages with a population of 3,422 fall within the 0–3 km infected zone, while 17 villages with a population of 22,395 fall under the 3–10 km surveillance zone.
Teams of health workers and ASHA staff will conduct daily door-to-door fever surveillance in the affected areas. Private hospitals have also been alerted to report Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
Authorities confirmed that adequate stock of personal protective equipment (PPE), triple-layer masks, Oseltamivir, viral transport media (VTM), and throat swab kits is available.
The Health Department has urged the public not to panic and to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Citizens have been advised to report such cases to local veterinary or health authorities. Officials also clarified that consumption of properly cooked poultry meat and eggs remains safe.
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