Kerala Bird Flu: Authorities Order Culling Of Ducks, Hens After Fresh Outbreak In Alappuzha

The administration has ordered culling of chickens, ducks and other domestic birds in and around 1 km radius of the ward No 10 of Thakazhy Grama Panchayat to contain the virus from spreading

New Delhi: A bird flu outbreak has been reported from Thakazhy Panchayat in Kerala's Alappuzha district after which authorities sprung into action and ordered culling of birds in the area. "The government has instructed the district collector to take necessary measures," according to Animal Husbandry Minister J Cinchu Rani, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

Authorities have ordered the culling of ducks, hens, and other domestic birds within a one km radius of the affected areas, according to news agency PTI.

District Collector A Alexander held a meeting with senior officials of the district including those from departments of Animal Husbandry, Health, and police on Thursday to review the situation in the wake of the outbreak of the flu.

Samples were sent to the Bhopal lab after several ducks and local birds perished in the district last week, as per the publication. Veterinary officials informed culling of ducks will start in affected areas on Friday and farmers will be compensated according to the government norms

The administration has ordered culling all chickens, ducks, and other domestic birds in and around one-kilometre radius of ward No 10 of Thakazhy Grama Panchayat to contain the virus from spreading to nearby areas.

Rapid response teams have been formed by the Animal Husbandry Department to cull and destroy the birds in Thakazhy. The affected area has been declared as a Containment Zone while the movement of vehicles and people in the area is prohibited, officials said.

Which areas are impacted?

Apart from this, the use and sale of eggs, meat, and manure of ducks, chickens, quails, and domestic birds have been banned in the affected areas, as per PTI.

This restriction will be applicable in Champakulam, Nedumudi, Muttar, Viyapuram, Karuvatta, Thrikkunnapuzha, Thakazhy, Purakkad, Ambalapuzha South, Ambalapuzha North, Edathva panchayats, and Harippad municipal area, according to PTI sources.

The meeting authorised the Assistant Forest Conservator to monitor and inspect whether the migratory birds have been infected with the disease or not.