New Delhi: India is grappling with an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1), as several states report bird deaths and confirm the presence of the virus. The southern state of Andhra Pradesh has raised alarms after nearly 90 birds died from the infection, prompting warnings to contain its spread.
The first cases were detected in Annamayya district, after which the Animal Husbandry Department sent samples for testing. Chittoor district has also reported infections, heightening concern among poultry farmers and local authorities.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu remains on high alert after over 1,500 crows were found dead in Adyar, Velachery, and Thiruvanmiyur. Laboratory tests confirmed H5N1 in the affected birds. In Kerala, at least 16 locations in Alappuzha district have been affected, leading to the culling of around 41,000 birds to prevent further spread.
Earlier in January, H5N1 was detected in crows in the Edakkanam area of Iritty town in Kerala’s Kannur district. Officials noted that no domestic birds were affected, so no culling was necessary at the time.
District Collector Arun K Vijayan has issued alerts in Iritty and surrounding areas, directing authorities to take precautionary measures. According to an official statement, the Deputy Director of the Kannur Regional Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of the virus. The Collector also instructed the District Medical Officer and the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department to coordinate efforts to prevent further spread.
With cases rising in multiple southern states, authorities are closely monitoring poultry farms and wild birds, emphasizing biosecurity measures and early detection to contain the outbreak.
