Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh – In a significant development for the poultry industry, all poultry shops in Gorakhpur have been ordered to shut down for 21 days after bird samples from five areas tested positive for avian influenza strains H5N1 and H9N2.
The affected areas include Jhungia Bazar, Aluminium Factory area, Taramandal, Bhagat Chauraha, and Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park. The samples were tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, which confirmed the presence of both highly contagious bird flu strains.
Following the confirmation, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) promptly activated Rapid Response Teams and set up a control room at the Sadar Veterinary Hospital to coordinate containment and response efforts.
As per central government guidelines, culling of all live birds within a 1-kilometre radius of the infected zones has begun. Intensive disinfection drives are also being carried out in these areas. Additional Municipal Commissioner Nirankar Singh urged citizens to cooperate and avoid spreading rumours.
The surveillance was widespread, with 1,328 samples collected from Gorakhpur and 1,470 from the Gorakhpur-Basti division. The outbreak is believed to have originated at the Gorakhpur Zoo, where four animals—a lion, leopard (Mona), tigress (Shakti), and a wolf—succumbed to the virus in recent weeks. The zoo has been shut down as a precautionary measure.
Eggora urges all poultry stakeholders to follow biosecurity protocols strictly, avoid transporting live birds from the region, and stay updated with official advisories. Safety and cooperation are key to containing the spread.
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