Kozhikode: It has been decided to kill and burn poultry birds within 1 kilometre area in Kodiyathoor and Vengeri of Kozhikode district where bird flu was reported. The Department of Animal Husbandry has appointed 25 five-member groups for this purpose. In addition to this, an alert has been issued in 10 km area around the places where bird flu was reported.
The district administration directed to shut down chicken farms and shops in the area. All types of poultry birds will be killed as part of prevention. The nests on trees and eggs will be destroyed.
Bird flu was confirmed in two chicken farms West Kodiyathoor and Vengeri. A total of 2000 birds died due to the disease in the farm owned by Sereena and Majeed at Puthiyottil in Kodiyathoor. The second case was reported at farm owned by Venua at Thadambattuthazham in Vengeri.
Bird flu was suspected in both farms on Thursday itself. The suspicion was strengthened in an examination conducted at the Animal Husbandry Department lab in Kannur. Following this, samples were sent to Bhopal via flight on Friday and confirmed the disease.
Meanwhile, the Department of Animal Husbandry authorities informed that there is no need to panic and that they have started taking preventive measures. People can consume chicken and eggs without fear. They should only eat well-cooked meat and eggs, it is informed.
Minister for Forests K Raju responded that that all precautions have been taken. A high-level meeting was convened on Friday and the Collector was given instructions to take action.
Health minister K K Shailaja said that bird flu is the result of climate change and that people need not panic. A team of health department has arrived at Kozhikode. Preventive actions will be taken in cooperation with Department of Animal Husbandry.
The minister also warned that more epidemics are likely to hit this year and people should be extra-cautious. She added that the health department is all set to fight any contagious disease.
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