The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has ordered the temporary closure of chicken and mutton shops in Kopri until February 5 following the detection of bird flu at Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre’s official residence in the Bara Bungalow area. The directive, issued based on orders from the Thane District Collector, aims to prevent the spread of the infection.
Last week, 20 chickens at the Commissioner’s residence tested positive for bird flu. In response, the district animal conservation department culled all chickens within a one-kilometer radius and activated a bird flu prevention plan. A special task force, led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry Department, was formed to oversee containment efforts. This task force includes officials from the state Animal Husbandry Department, the Thane Municipal Veterinary Department, and the Public Health Department.
As part of the containment measures, 127 residents in the affected area underwent health checks, and 75 swab samples were collected. Fortunately, none of the samples showed signs of infection.
Despite these precautions, the District Collector ordered all chicken and egg shops in the Kopri area to remain closed temporarily. Notices were issued by the TMC, as confirmed by Dr. Chetna Nitil K., the Municipal Chief Health Officer.
Shopkeepers, however, have expressed concerns about the financial impact of the closure, citing challenges in managing rent and other expenses during this period.