Delang (Puri): The Puri district administration has declared three areas in Delang as restricted zones following the detection of avian influenza (bird flu) cases in the locality.

As a precautionary measure, restrictions have been imposed on the export of poultry from Delang to other parts of the district.

The decision was taken after laboratory tests conducted in the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Bhopal, confirmed the presence of the virus in Bada Ankula village under Delang block.

Around 6,500 chickens will be culled in Delang, and all areas within a 10-kilometre radius of the infected zone will remain under strict surveillance, informed Dr. Somnath Das, the Block Veterinary Officer of Delang.