Karnataka ramps up border surveillance of poultry trucks as bird flu hits neighbouring states
Bengaluru: Karnataka has ramped up its border surveillance and monitoring efforts following an avian (bird) flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state’s Animal Husbandry Department has reportedly increased checks on poultry trucks entering from these states, with particular focus on the districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi.
A senior official told Deccan Herald that although zero cases have been reported in Karnataka, every poultry truck crossing the state’s borders is thoroughly inspected, and officials are closely monitoring poultry farms for any signs of bird deaths. "We are also watching water bodies that see many migratory birds for any risks of infections or deaths," the official added.
Ansar Ahmed, the project director for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, reassured the public that no bird flu cases have been detected in Karnataka. He emphasised the importance of basic hygiene practices, urging the public to wear gloves, shoes, and masks when handling animals or raw meat, wash hands frequently, consume only properly cooked meat, avoid mixing raw and cooked meat, and steer clear of contact with suspected infected animals. He also advised getting the seasonal flu vaccine for added protection.
While some local chicken sellers have reported a decline in sales, the Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders’ Association noted that there has been no drop in statewide demand or supply, the report mentioned.
Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, told DH that there is "absolutely no cause for concern". He stated that officers are continuously monitoring poultry farms, and there is a standard protocol to isolate poultry if there is any death reported in any of them.
“We have more than sufficient stocks of the treatment — an anti-viral tablet — in our state medical supplies corporation godowns,” he added.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
