Central laboratory has confirmed the spread of avian flu in parts of Alappuzha, Kottayam districts

The Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department has taken precautionary measures after avian flu was confirmed in poultry in some areas of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, officials said on Tuesday.

In Alappuzha, outbreaks have been reported in Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta Karthikappally, Ambalapuzha South, Punnapara South, Thakazhi and Purakkad.

In Kottayam, the spread of Avian Flu I

Officials said it has been reported in Kurupanthara, Kalluparayakkal and Velur.

Speaking to PTI, Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani said test results from a central laboratory have confirmed the outbreak in both the districts.

“The cases of avian flu were reported to us about a week ago. Samples were collected and sent to a central laboratory in Bhopal, which has confirmed the outbreak,” he said.

The minister said that the department is still assessing

of wrath Intensity.

He said that no ban has been imposed on the consumption of poultry products so far.

“However, after further analysis, if necessary, measures such as ban on consumption of poultry meat and culling will be announced,” he said.

Rani said poultry farmers may be affected as sales usually increase during the Christmas and New Year season.

“Generally, compensation is provided to farmers. However, on some occasions, there are issues related to fund allocation from the Centre, and the state has to depend on its own funds,” he said.

He said expert teams are already working on the ground following the outbreak.

“Our assessment is that avian flu is spread through migratory birds. Last year too, similar outbreaks occurred in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts,” the minister said.