Alappuzha, 09 Jan (H.S.):Alappuzha district is once again on alert following the confirmation of avian influenza (bird flu) in four panchayats of the district. The virus has been detected in Ambalappuzha North, Ambalappuzha South, Karuvatta, and Pallippad panchayats, raising fresh concerns over the spread of the disease.

According to officials, bird flu was confirmed in quails in the 11th ward of Ambalappuzha North panchayat, chickens in the 6th ward of Ambalappuzha South panchayat, chickens in the 1st and 2nd wards of Karuvatta panchayat, and ducks in the 1st ward of Pallippad panchayat. Earlier, the disease had already been reported in individual wards of nine other panchayats in the district, indicating a wider risk of transmission.

As part of stringent containment measures, authorities have begun scientific culling operations. All domesticated birds within a one-kilometre radius of the identified outbreak centres will be culled. Officials stated that a total of 13,785 domesticated birds across the four affected panchayats will be culled to prevent further spread of the virus.

In addition, the District Collector has imposed a one-week ban on the use, sale, transport, and marketing of poultry and related products within a 10-kilometre surveillance zone around the outbreak areas. The restrictions cover ducks, chickens, quails, other domesticated birds, as well as eggs, meat, poultry waste (manure), frozen meat, and other related products.

Officials from the health and animal husbandry departments are closely monitoring the situation, and surveillance measures have been intensified across the district. Authorities have urged the public and poultry farmers to strictly adhere to the restrictions and cooperate with containment efforts to bring the outbreak under control.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman