After the confirmation of bird flu (H5N1) in the capital Patna, the administration has become completely alert. To prevent the spread of this disease, it has been decided to keep Patna Zoo and many parks closed for the general public for a week. On the other hand, Gulf country Saudi Arabia has also taken precautions and banned the import of poultry products from many countries including India.
Where are there restrictions in Patna?
Bird flu infection has been found in PC Colony of Patna’s Kankarbagh, Kaushal Nagar near Patna High Court complex and airport. In view of security, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo) and J Sector (West) Park of Kankarbagh have been closed for a week. Selling of chicken or eggs within a radius of 1 kilometer from the infected area has been banned, while an area of 9 kilometers has been kept under surveillance.
What action has the administration taken so far?
The administration has taken strict steps to prevent further spread of the disease. So far, around 4,575 chickens have been culled and more than 9,662 eggs have been destroyed. Apart from this, 530 kg of grain has also been destroyed. Medicine is being sprayed in the affected areas and people have been advised to stay away from dead birds and eat chicken and eggs only after cooking them properly.
Why did Saudi Arabia ban?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has completely banned the import of poultry meat and eggs from India and 40 other countries. This decision was taken on 25-26 February 2026 so that bird flu does not spread there. However, the Indian Poultry Federation says that we export very little to Saudi Arabia, so this decision will not have much impact on the Indian market.
