Thiruvananthapuram: The avian flu outbreak in Azhoor near Chirayinkeezhu left authorities with no choice but to launch a massive culling drive from Monday onwards. 

The ducks, hens, and other domesticated birds will be culled in seven wards of Azhoor Grama Panchayat. 

Bird flu was confirmed following the death of over 200 ducks on a farm in the panchayat. Following this, a meeting held on Sunday decided to take preventive measures to contain the situation. 

The culling drive will be held in Wards 15, 17, 16, 7, 14, 12, and 18. Further, the eggs, meat and excreets will also be removed to avoid the spread of flu to neighbouring wards in the area.