WEDNESDAY, MAY 01, 2024
Team Herald
Authorities in Kerala's Alappuzha district have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in two separate locations, officials reported on Thursday. The outbreak was detected among ducks in Edathva Grama Panchayat's Ward 1 and Cheruthana Grama Panchayat's Ward 3.
Samples from ducks displaying symptoms of bird flu were sent to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing, where they tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1), according to district administration officials.
Following the Government of India's action plan, a meeting chaired by the District Collector has decided to implement measures to cull domestic birds like hens, ducks and other birds within a one-kilometre radius of the affected areas. A Rapid Action Force will be formed, and preparations will be swiftly completed by the Animal Welfare Department.
Despite the outbreak, officials assured the public that there is no need for unwarranted panic. The disease is not believed to pose any threat to humans. Measures are being taken to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus among domestic bird populations.
The last report regarding the bird flu outbreak in Kerala was reported in October 2022. The bird flu (H5N1) was confirmed at Vazhuthanam in Haripad municipality. It later spread to other places with cases being reported till early 2023.
