NewsFlash Daily™
02 May 
H5N1 fear intensifies in Tumakuru as chicken deaths trigger fresh alarm; district administration seals five villages, shuts chicken shops, and issues high alert
Tumakuru: Panic over bird flu (H5N1) is rapidly escalating in Tumakuru after the mysterious deaths of 30 chickens were reported, just days after 44 peacocks died in the district due to confirmed H5N1 infection. With the situation turning critical, district authorities have declared a high alert and intensified surveillance in affected areas.
Officials confirmed that around 30 chickens died suddenly at a poultry farm in Bommanahalli village. Samples from the dead birds have been sent for forensic testing to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities suspect the same H5N1 virus, which was earlier confirmed as the reason behind the peacock deaths.
The sudden deaths have raised concerns among poultry farmers, residents, and health officials, as the outbreak now appears to be spreading beyond wild birds into domestic poultry.
“Public cooperation is critical. Any unusual bird deaths must be reported immediately,” officials said during the emergency review meeting.
How the Crisis Began
The outbreak first came to light on April 16, when peacocks began dying across Tumakuru taluk. Within just 11 days, 44 peacocks were found dead. Initially, forest officials suspected extreme heat and dehydration due to rising summer temperatures.
However, samples sent to the forensic laboratory later confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus, officially triggering health concerns across the district.
Five Villages Declared Containment Zones
In response to the growing threat, the district administration has declared five villages as containment zones Kallalli, Kodihalli, Hunnenahalli, Bommanahalli, Byrasandra.
Authorities have imposed strict movement monitoring in these areas and ordered the temporary closure of chicken shops and poultry-related businesses to prevent further spread.
Emergency Teams Activated
District officials, veterinary experts, and health department teams have launched intensive monitoring operations. A team of state-level experts recently visited Tumakuru to assess the ground situation and recommend containment strategies.
A high-level review meeting was also conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where emergency preventive measures were discussed.
