May 31, 2024

Bird flu strikes poultry farm in Kottayam district, Kerala, India

Health authorities in Kottayam district of Kerala, India, have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) at a Manarcadu poultry farm operated by the animal welfare department.

Following the deaths of approximately 9,000 chickens at the farm, samples were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases Lab in Bhopal, where the disease was confirmed.

A 1km radius around the affected area has been designated as a bird flu-affected zone. A rapid action team from the animal welfare department will immediately cull the birds and dispose them. Steps have also been taken to disinfect the areas.

To mitigate further spread, the sale and transportation of chicken, duck, quail and other poultry products are banned in some areas.

A surveillance zone spanning 1-10km has been established, encompassing other wards of Manarcadu panchayat, Kottayam and Etumanoor municipalities, Vijayapuram, Tiruvarp, Aymanam, Arpukara, Athirampuzha, Ayarkunnam, Kitangur, Akalakunnam, Pallikkathod, Pampadi, Meenadam, Karukachal, Vakathanam, Panachikkad and Kooropada panchayats for seven days.

- The Times of India