Kannur: Health authorities have confirmed the detection of H5N1 avian influenza in the Edakkanam area of Iritty in Kannur district, with the virus identified in local crows, officials said.

The district administration clarified that no cases have been reported among domestic birds so far, and culling is not required at this stage.

Following the detection of H5N1, District Collector Arun K Vijayan issued an alert for the region and instructed officials to enhance precautionary measures in the area, the administration said.

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According to an official statement, the confirmation of the disease was made by the Deputy Director, Kannur Regional Diagnostic Laboratory. However, no cases have been reported so far among domestic birds, it said.

The Collector has also directed the District Medical Officer and the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department to take necessary measures to prevent any spread of the virus within Iritty municipality and surrounding areas.

As the infection has been detected only in a crow, no outbreak or surveillance zone has been declared and there is no requirement for culling of birds, the district administration explained.

The carcass of birds, if found, will be buried at adequate depth with calcium carbonate by the municipal public health department, following safety protocols, it said.

Personnel involved in the disposal process have been instructed to wear gloves, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Health Department has also been directed to closely monitor and report any cases of unexplained fever or respiratory infections among people in the area, the statement added.

PTI