Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), March 19 Bird flu (H5N1) has been confirmed in parts of the Alappuzha and Kozhikode districts, prompting authorities to step up containment measures. Over 20,000 domestic birds are set to be culled, officials said on Thursday.
In Alappuzha, the infection was reported in Ward 7 of the Muhamma grama panchayat.
An emergency meeting chaired by District Collector Inbasekar Kalimuthu decided to implement preventive and control measures in line with the Government of India's 2021 action plan.
The Animal Husbandry Department has deployed rapid response teams to carry out culling operations within a one-kilometre radius of the epicenter.
"As many as 5,961 domestic birds in the affected zone will be culled. The culling operations are scheduled to begin on the morning of March 21," an official statement said.
Culling operations will also be carried out within a one-kilometre radius of the affected areas, with joint efforts by the Animal Husbandry Department, the district administration, and local bodies, a statement said.
Meanwhile, in the Kozhikode district, bird flu has been confirmed in multiple panchayats, including Olavanna, Kakkodi, Panangad, and Perumanna, as well as Nallalam within the Kozhikode Corporation limits.
Authorities said 14,228 birds will be culled in the district as part of containment measures.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Kozhikode District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, in line with national and international protocols for avian influenza control.
Officials said follow-up measures, including "mopping" operations to eliminate any remaining birds and "combing" to trace birds that may have been hidden or moved, will be undertaken in the second phase.
According to officials, samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Officials said the disease has been reported so far only in birds.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual mass bird deaths to the nearest veterinary hospital.
People handling dead birds have been advised to use protective gear such as masks and gloves, and to bury the carcasses deep, using disinfectants such as lime and bleaching powder, officials said.
Restrictions have been imposed within surveillance zones, including a ban on the sale, transport, and use of poultry, eggs, meat, and related products until further notice in affected areas.
However, officials clarified that properly cooked poultry products are safe for consumption.
"The bird flu virus is destroyed when meat is cooked at 70 degrees Celsius for three to five minutes. Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs and meat should be strictly avoided," the Animal Husbandry Department said.
A control room has also been opened in Kozhikode for public assistance, with officials from multiple departments coordinating containment efforts.
