The Karnataka Health Department has stepped up surveillance in parts of Tumakuru district after H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was confirmed in samples taken from peacocks found dead
in multiple villages. The samples were collected from peacocks found dead in parts of the district between April 16 and 21.
More than 44 peacocks died in several villages, prompting authorities to send samples for testing. A laboratory report from Bhopal confirmed the presence of H5N1 in the dead birds.
Following the confirmation, state Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed officials to take strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the infection. Instructions have been issued to the Chief Conservator of Forests to ensure vigilance across zoos, bird sanctuaries and forest areas in line with central H5N1 protocols.
Officials have also been told to report any deaths of migratory or local birds and to send all samples for laboratory testing. The Minister further suggested appointing nodal officers in forest and bird sanctuary regions, if required.
The Health Department held a meeting on precautionary measures under the leadership of the Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner, involving district and state rapid response teams. The area within a 3 km radius of the bird deaths has been declared an infected zone, while a 3 to 10 km radius has been marked as a surveillance zone.
Health authorities plan to screen people in 38 villages within the surveillance area over the next 10 days. Villages including Kolihalli, Bairasandra, Hullenahalli and Thimmegowdanapalya reported peacock deaths. Around 20,432 people will be screened, with surveillance for fever, influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) to be carried out.
