Bird Flu Returns As 24,000 Chickens Died In AP
- Bird flu confirmed in Annamayya district villages
- Bird flu control measures and farmer compensation announced
Bird flu has resurfaced in Andhra Pradesh, triggering concern after a sudden and large scale death of poultry. More than 24,000 chickens died in recent days in three villages of Sadum mandal in Annamayya district. Officials confirmed the cause as bird flu after laboratory tests, following reports of unusual deaths in local chicken farms.
The deaths occurred in Puttavandlapalle, Kambhamvaripalle and Ammagaripalle villages. Farmers and residents first noticed the unusual pattern of chicken deaths over the last few days. Meanwhile, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department visited the affected areas and began an inquiry. They later confirmed that over 24,000 chickens had died across the three villages, causing panic among poultry farmers.
To verify the cause, officials sent samples from the dead chickens to the High Security Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The lab diagnosed the samples as bird flu. Therefore, officials confirmed that the chickens died due to the virus. JD Gunasekhar Pillai of the District Animal Husbandry Department said that bird flu was confirmed in Ammagaripalle and Puttavandlapalle. However, he added that the report for the dead chickens in Kambhamvaripalle village is still awaited.
Meanwhile, District Collector Nishant Kumar reviewed the situation and directed officials to take appropriate steps in the affected areas. He ordered strict measures to control the spread of the virus. The government also announced that it would provide adequate compensation to poultry farmers whose chicken farms were affected by bird flu. Officials from the Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Medical and Health departments began coordinating with villagers to create awareness about the situation.
Later, authorities set up a special control room to monitor developments at all times. Officials asked people to report any unusual chicken deaths anywhere in Annamayya district. The contact numbers shared for reporting are 70139 14401 and 93982 62752. The district administration said constant monitoring would continue until the situation stabilises.
Doctors, however, advised the public not to panic. They said the chances of bird flu spreading from chickens to humans are very low. They also explained that meat cooked at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius does not carry the virus. Therefore, they advised people to eat only well cooked meat. However, in virus affected areas, doctors suggested avoiding chicken and eggs for at least 10 days as a precaution.
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