Andhra Pradesh steps up measures to contain Bird Flu ‘outbreak’

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], February 14 (ANI): The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified efforts to curb the spread of bird flu, with strict containment measures in place across three affected districts. Over one lakh hens have been culled so far, while officials have designated red and surveillance zones to prevent further transmission.
Additional Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr Satya Kumari on Friday stated, "The bird flu is currently restricted to three districts and five farms. Approximately one lakh hens have been culled due to the outbreak."
"Wherever we identify bird flu, we declare a red zone with a radius of one kilometre and a surveillance zone with a radius of ten kilometres. Farmers need not panic, as the number of cases is decreasing, and we are taking appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the disease," she assured.
Yesterday, Andhra Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, and Animal Husbandry Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu reassured the public that there was no cause for concern regarding bird flu, as the government had implemented strict measures to control its spread.
"There is no need for anyone to worry about bird flu, as the government is constantly vigilant and has taken stringent measures to control its spread", said Atchannaidu.
According to a release from the Director of the Information & Public Relations Department, Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, while speaking to the media, the minister stated, "Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had immediately responded to the issue by consulting with the Joint Secretary of the Central Animal Husbandry Department and scientists from the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal."
Eluru district is currently experiencing a bird flu outbreak, with approximately one lakh chickens dying at a poultry farm in Badampudi, Unguturu.
Authorities had earlier confirmed the presence of bird flu after laboratory tests, prompting urgent measures, including the establishment of a control room and the deployment of Rapid Response Teams.
Eluru District Collector K Vetriselvi stated, "Recently, a large number of chickens died at a poultry farm in Badampudi, Unguturu. The Eluru district authorities sent samples for laboratory testing, and the results confirmed that the samples tested positive for bird flu." (ANI)