Central team visits bird flu-hit areas.

Puri(Ravindra Kumar):-A three-member Central team visited Puri district Wednesday to assess the situation fol- lowing the detection of bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) among poultry birds.

The team toured several affected poul- try farms, interacted with farm owners, lo- cals, and rapid response teams, officials said.

Abhijit Mitra, a member of the Central team, spoke to reporters in Nimapara block, emphasising that while bird flu primarily affects chickens, the possibility of the virus affecting humans cannot be entirely ruled out.

“No cases of bird flu in humans have been reported in India so far,” Mitra noted.

The Central team acknowledged the state government’s efforts to contain the outbreak and planned to meet with sen- ior officials to suggest recommendations.

In response to the outbreak, over 35,000 birds have been culled in Pipli, Satyabadi, Nimapada, and Delang blocks, officials added. More than 50 rapid response teams are actively involved in culling, disposing of -infected birds, and sanitising affected areas.

Senior veterinary doctors and other offi- cials were present during the team’s visit.