The confirmation of bird flu in parts of Kerala’s Alappuzha and Kottayam districts has put poultry farmers under stress, especially with the Christmas and New Year season approaching—a period that typically witnesses increased demand for poultry products.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department have confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) virus following laboratory tests conducted at the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. The infection has been detected in one ward each of eight panchayats in Alappuzha district and in four villages in Kottayam district.
In Alappuzha, cases have been reported from the panchayats of Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta, Karthikappally, Ambalappuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi and Purakkad. Chickens were found to be infected in Nedumudi, while ducks were affected in the remaining panchayats.
In Kottayam district, bird flu has been detected in the villages of Kuruppanthara, Manjoor, Kallupurakkal and Velur, with quails and chickens among the birds found to be infected.
According to media reports, Kerala Animal Husbandry Minister J. Chinchurani said suspected bird flu cases came to light about a week ago, prompting authorities to collect samples and send them to the central laboratory in Bhopal for confirmation. The department is currently assessing the intensity of the outbreak. However, she clarified that no restrictions have been imposed on the consumption of poultry meat so far.
Preliminary assessments suggest the bird flu outbreak may have spread through migratory birds. Similar outbreaks were reported last year in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, the Minister added.
As a precautionary measure, authorities will impose a ban on the movement of poultry—including ducks, chickens, quails and other domestic birds—within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected areas to prevent further spread of the virus.
Also Read