Bird Flu Alert in Kerala's Iritty Following Crow Deaths

Kannur: Authorities have confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in the Edakkanam area of Iritty in Kannur district, following deaths among crows.

The district administration said no cases have been reported among domestic birds so far, and culling is not required at this stage.

District Collector Arun K Vijayan has issued an alert for the region and directed authorities to strengthen precautionary measures.

According to an official statement, the H5N1 virus was confirmed by the Deputy Director of the Kannur Regional Diagnostic Laboratory. The Collector has instructed the District Medical Officer and the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department to implement measures to prevent virus spread in Iritty municipality and nearby areas.

Since the infection has been detected only in crows, no outbreak or surveillance zone has been declared. The administration clarified that there is currently no need for bird culling. Any carcasses found will be buried at an adequate depth with calcium carbonate by municipal public health personnel following strict safety protocols.

Personnel handling carcass disposal have been instructed to wear gloves, masks, and full personal protective equipment (PPE). The Health Department has also been directed to closely monitor and report any unexplained fevers or respiratory infections among local residents.