Avian Flu Confirmed in Parts of Alappuzha and Kottayam

Alappuzha: The Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department has stepped up precautionary measures after avian influenza was confirmed among poultry in parts of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, officials said on Tuesday.

In Alappuzha district, outbreaks have been reported from several areas including Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta Karthikapally, Ambalapuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi and Purakkad. In neighbouring Kottayam district, the spread has been detected in Kurupanthara, Kallupuraykkal and Veloor.

Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani said laboratory test results from a central facility in Bhopal confirmed the presence of avian flu in samples collected from the affected areas. "Cases of avian flu came to our notice about a week ago. Samples were collected and sent for testing, and the central laboratory has now confirmed the outbreak in both districts,' she told PTI.

The minister said the department is currently assessing the intensity and spread of the outbreak. Expert teams have been deployed on the ground to monitor the situation and implement containment measures.

As of now, no restrictions have been imposed on the consumption of poultry products. “However, based on further analysis, if required, steps such as culling of birds and restrictions on the consumption of poultry meat will be announced,” Rani said.

The outbreak comes at a sensitive time, with poultry sales typically witnessing a surge during the Christmas and New Year season. The minister acknowledged that poultry farmers could be affected and said compensation is generally provided in such cases. “There have been occasions when issues related to fund allocation from the Centre arise, and the state has had to rely on its own resources,” she noted.

Chinchurani added that migratory birds are believed to be the primary carriers of the virus. Similar avian flu outbreaks were reported last year in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, she said.