Culling ends in Kumbara Koppal, mopping-up operation from today

Mysuru: The veterinary department has completed culling of birds on the second day of its operation at Kumbara Koppal on Wednesday. A total of 989 birds were killed and scientifically disposed to prevent the spread of avian influenza during the day.

On the first day of culling, five rapid response teams (RRT) killed 4,100 birds which were within one kilometre radius of Kumbara Koppal. As per the survey conducted by the animal husbandry department, there were 144 households where they had reared 6,436 birds out of which 1,252 were domestic birds, 5,100 commercial birds, 254 pet birds, 12 quails and 18 turkeys.

After the first day of culling, nearly 2,336 birds had remained. On Wednesday, 13 RRTs conducted the drive at Metagalli, BM Sri Nagar, Ambedkar Jnana Loka, Kumbara Koppal and

Hebbal

and culled 981 birds. Out of the total birds, 304 were broiler chickens, 160 egg-laying chickens, 173 country chicken (Naati Koli) and 326 adult Naati

Koli

, 20 pet birds and six turkeys.

Deputy commissioner

Abhiram G Sankar

told TOI that the RRT teams will conduct mopping up operation from Thursday to find whether any birds are left out during the drive. “We will conduct a mopping operation and if more birds are found, they will be scientifically disposed,” he said

According to vet department sources, there are still nearly 1,355 birds remaining in the localities.

“On Wednesday, the staff had a tough time convincing the house owners to hand over their pet birds like parrots for culling. In each house, we had to convince the people, which was difficult. So, less birds were culled on Wednesday,” said an official.

Meanwhile, during the combing operation, the vet staff and

Mysuru City Corporation

health officers found a small factory near Ambedkar Jnanloka, run by a man called Akram, where buffalo horns weighing more than 3,000 kg were stored in large numbers. The horns were used to make buttons and show-pieces.

The health officers found that Akram had not procured trade license from MCC or clearances from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

MCC health officer M S Jayanth told TOI that Akram has no trade licence. “So a fine has been levied for the violation. The factory has been sealed. The veterinary department will issue a notice on Thursday and action will initiated,” he said. MCC has levied Rs 10,000 fine for the violation.

Mandya bans sale of chicken

Close on the heels of avian influenza being detected in Mysuru, deputy commissioner, Mandya, M V Venkatesh ordered a ban on production, sale and transportation of chickens in 13 villages in

Srirangapatna

taluk on Wednesday.

In his order dated March 18, the DC has directed the authorities to take necessary steps in the 13 villages namely Palahalli, Belagola, Karekura, Mogarahalli, Chakkanakuppe, Hosa Alanduru, Majjigepura, Hosahalli, Hulikere, Naguvanahalli, Bramhapura, Belavadi and Bechanakuppe under Srirangapatna taluk to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

As per the order, areas in one kilometre radius from these villages will be declared as avian influenza infected and 10 kilometres from these villages has been declared as sensitive zone.

The production, sale and transportation of chicken has been banned upto 10 kilometre radius from the villages.

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