Kerala has recorded more cases of bird flu, this time in the Kottayam area. Vechur, Aymanam and Kallara panchayats in the area reported three cases. The sample was sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, where avian influenza was found.

Local authorities said they would culminate ducks and other birds from Wednesday to curb the spread of the virus. They added that 25,000 birds will be culled.

This is the latest confirmation of bird flu in the southern state, where ducks and other poultry have died in the past few weeks.

After the state animal husbandry department confirmed the presence of avian influenza (H5N1) in some samples, the state government issued an alert in the Alappuzha district last week.

On Friday, a total of 12,000 ducks were culled in Thakazhi gram panchayat ward 10. The decision was made after an emergency meeting was presided over by collectors in the Alappuzha area and the decision was made to increase efforts to prevent the spread of bird flu to other areas. A total of 140 samples were sent for inspection, and 26 samples were positive for avian influenza.

Alappuzha has many stagnant waters and bodies of water. Farmers raise ducks in large numbers, causing frequent cases of bird flu. According to reports, birds from other countries are carriers of the virus. In Alappuzha and neighbouring Kottayam, duck raising is an important business. The eggs and meat of waterfowl are in great demand, and the price is generally higher than that of poultry.

The district government also prohibits the use and sale of duck, chicken, quail and poultry eggs, meat and feces in the affected areas. This restriction will apply to Champakulam, Nedumudi, Muttar, Viyapuram, Karuvatta, Thrikkunnapuzha, Thakazhi, Purakkad, Ambalapuzha South, Ambalapuzha North, Edathva panchayats and Harippad city areas.

The local police were ordered to support these activities and conduct surveillance in the area. The animal welfare department will ensure the service of the rapid response team and bury the birds.

Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is a variety of influenza caused by airborne viruses in birds. Experts say that it can be transmitted to humans in very few cases, and if it occurs, it will cause human-to-human transmission.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times