GORAKHPUR, May 31 -- The district administration in Gorakhpur has announced a three-week ban on the sale of chicken after confirmation of a bird flu outbreak in multiple areas of the city. The decision follows laboratory tests that detected H5N1 and H9N1 strains in samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD).

According to chief veterinary officer (CFO) Dr Bhupendra Singh, samples testing positive were collected from Jhugiya Bazar, Aluminium Factory area, Taramandal, Bhagat Crossing, and localities near Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park. As part of containment measures, authorities have begun culling birds in affected areas.

On Saturday, 695 birds were culled from 19 poultry shops identified w...