Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department has initiated precautionary measures after avian flu was confirmed among poultry in parts of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, officials said on Tuesday.

In Alappuzha district, outbreaks have been reported from Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta Karthikapally, Ambalapuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi and Purakkad. In neighbouring Kottayam district, the infection has been detected in Kurupanthara, Kallupuraykkal and Veloor, officials said.

Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani told PTI that laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of avian influenza in both districts. “Cases of avian flu came to our notice about a week ago. Samples were collected and sent to a central laboratory in Bhopal, which has confirmed the outbreak,” she said.

The minister said the department is currently assessing the severity and spread of the outbreak. As of now, no restrictions have been imposed on the consumption of poultry meat or eggs.

“However, after further analysis, if required, steps such as culling and restrictions on the consumption of poultry meat will be announced,” Rani said.

She acknowledged that poultry farmers could be affected, especially as demand typically rises 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,” she said.

According to the minister, expert teams have already been deployed in the affected areas to monitor the situation and implement containment measures.

“Our assessment is that avian flu spreads through migratory birds. Last year, there were similar outbreaks in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts,” she added.

Health and veterinary authorities have urged the public to remain calm and follow official advisories as surveillance continues across the affected regions.

PTI