Alert: Bird Flu in Andhra Pradesh!

The Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to check the spread of H5N1 virus (avian influenza) in the twin districts of Godavari, which are in the grip of the bird flu scare.

As part of it, the authorities have decided to cull chicken infected with bird flu. In addition, people in places where the virus is believed to be highly prevalent have been suggested to avoid consumption of chicken for the next few days.

These measures have been initiated after Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases confirmed the H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus in samples sent from Kanuru Agraharam of Peravali mandal in East Godavari and Velpuru of Tanuku mandal in West Godavari, where hundreds of fowls had died.

There are reports that the officials of animal husbandry department have started culling the infected birds as well as those within 1 km area of the affected poultry farms. To check the spread of the disease, the birds culled are being buried in deep pits laced with lime. Not just the birds, even the eggs produced by them will also be destroyed and buried.

Birds have been culled at three hotspots including Kanuru Agraharam, Nallajarla and Seethanagaram mandals.

With the disease spreading fast, the officials have suggested people in twin Godavari districts to be cautious with regard to consuming chicken for the next few days.

The mortality of birds near the hotspots is also being monitored closely to check the spread. The officials have also decided to spray disinfectants on the infected poultry farms. Even the vehicles transporting the chicken are likely carriers of the disease. Hence, their movement between the poultry farms is also restricted. The authorities advised the vehicle owners to mandatorily disinfect the van after leaving one farm and heading to the other.

The hotspots are being highly guarded avoiding flying of scavenger birds like crows as they too can catch and spread the virus.