Poultry farmers in Navapur taluka of Nandurbar district are on edge, awaiting a mandatory 90-day disease-free period following a recent avian flu outbreak. Only after this period can fresh poultry be introduced and normal operations resume.
Outbreak Details and Culling Operations
The latest outbreak infected birds across eight farms, triggering culling in 15 farms within a 1-kilometer radius of the epicenter in this poultry hub. Navapur currently houses 38 poultry farms, down from 60 in 2006 when the first outbreak was recorded. The region has since faced three major outbreaks, including one in 2021.
Dr. Sanjay Khachane, district deputy commissioner of the Animal Husbandry Department, stated, "So far, in the third outbreak, over 4 lakh birds have been culled, while about 25 lakh eggs and 548 tonnes of feed have been destroyed." While culling at commercial farms is complete, around 20,000 backyard poultry birds are yet to be culled. "This is being executed step-by-step. Cleaning and sanitizing commercial poultry farms was our top priority, and that has been achieved. Over the next few days, backyard poultry will also be culled," the officer added.
Surveillance and Restrictions
Authorities have intensified surveillance and monitoring. Samples from non-poultry birds in the area tested negative for avian flu, ruling out wild birds as the root cause. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have completed surveillance, culling, and destruction of contaminated material, while random sampling continues to check for fresh infections.
Restrictions imposed by the district administration, in line with WHO guidelines, remain in force. These include a ban on bird transportation and suspension of poultry activities in affected zones. A local farmer explained, "The first sign of relaxation will only come after the mandatory 90-day period passes without a single fresh case of avian flu. Only then will farmers be able to restart their businesses."
