Thiruvananthapuram, December 23 (IANS). A new outbreak of avian influenza has emerged in Kerala, with the highly contagious viral disease confirmed in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Many government departments have started emergency prevention measures.
The matter of concern is that this has happened during the peak Christmas season, because this is the period when poultry sales are highest, and farmers keep more stocks than usual.
This confirmation came after samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal were found to be virus positive.
In Alappuzha district, the infection has been detected in wards of eight panchayats, Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta, Karthikapalli, Ambalappuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi and Purakkad.
Poultry birds were affected in Nedumudi, while ducks were found infected in other places, which shows the weakness of the duck rearing belt of the region. It is an important source of livelihood for many farmers.
Kottayam district has also reported avian influenza in four wards, Kurupanthara, Manzoor, Kallupurayakkal and Velur.
The disease was confirmed in quail and chickens, following which officials have intensified surveillance and biosecurity protocols in the district.
Following laboratory confirmation, the state government has activated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the outbreak of avian influenza.
Culling of birds has begun within a radius of one kilometer of the infected sites, along with scientific disposal of carcasses and disinfection of fields and surrounding areas.
A surveillance zone of up to 10 km has been declared around the affected areas, with strict restrictions imposed on the movement, sale and transportation of poultry, eggs and related products.
Officials said coordination is underway between animal husbandry, health, revenue and local self-government departments to rapidly stop the virus from spreading to new areas.
Veterinary rapid response teams have been deployed, and door-to-door checks are being carried out in sensitive areas.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds.
Although infection with humans is rare, health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid handling sick or dead birds, and immediately report unusual deaths of birds to the animal husbandry department.
The health department has said there is no need to panic, but stressed that it is important to strictly follow safety protocols to contain the outbreak and protect both public health and livelihoods.
–IANS
SCH
