The bird flu H5N1 outbreak at Dhamdara village in Phuentshogling Gewog of Chhukha has been brought under control according to the dzongkhag’s rapid response team.
A total of 1,130 poultry birds were culled, 3,955 eggs disposed, and 16 coops destroyed after the outbreak was confirmed on April 9. About 14 households were affected.
The outbreak was confirmed through a laboratory test at the National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH), Serbithang.
Following the confirmation, the National Incident Command Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests immediately activated the Incident Operation Centre (IOC) in Phuentsholing with the rapid response team for immediate containment and response to the outbreak.
There are no reports of any person being infected so far. However, health officials are creating awareness and monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the rapid response team comprising of members from the livestock, health, police, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) are investigating and conducting a risk assessment to validate the source of the outbreak.
