Chennai: Following the outbreak of bird flu in Alappuzha, many districts adjacent to the Tamil Nadu and Kerala borders were put on high alert. Twelve check posts, including Anaikatti, Gopalapuram, Walayar and many locations in Kanyakumari and Theni districts, have come under strict surveillance by the Health Department and the Animal Husbandry Department. 
 
Vehicles, including those carrying goods, are being thoroughly monitored 24 hours a day. They are only allowed to move forward after a proper inspection and spraying of disinfectant. Kerala Health Department officials have confirmed that every measure to prevent the spread of bird flu has already started and is in full swing. If any person observes symptoms or signs of bird flu, they should immediately report or notify the health department. 
 
Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry officials said that whenever bird flu cases are reported from neighbouring states, the department steps up vigil. They are not allowing vehicles with poultry and animals to cross the checkposts. 
 
Similarly, to curb the occurrence of bird flu, the Kerala Health Department has culled 21,000 ducks in the two panchayats (Edathua and Cheruthana) in the Alappuzha district and has also culled domestic birds within a one-kilometre radius of these two panchayats. 

(with inputs from agency)