Bird flu containment operations in full swing in Annamayya, Chittoor

The official machinery on Monday intensified the control and containment operations, which continued for the second consecutive day in Sodum mandal of Annamayya district, after the confirmation of the prevalence of the avian influenza.

The district authorities said culling of birds in the infected and surveillance zones was in brisk progress, led by special teams of animal husbandry and veterinary officials.

District Collector Nishant Kumar held review meetings with the departments concerned to assess ground-level implementation of action plans, including disinfection, safe disposal of culled birds, and restrictions on movement.

Field staff of the medical and health department were put on alert, while revenue and police staff ensured enforcement of containment measures.

A senior medical officer at the Government District Headquarters Hospital in Madanapalle clarified that there has been no evidence of human infection so far. He urged the public to cooperate with the field staff for the effective containment of the bird flu scare in the region.

Meanwhile, Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar deployed additional personnel of the Animal Husbandry department following reports of deaths of poultry birds in parts of Karvetinagaram mandal.

Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr. D. Uma Maheswari said the prevalence of avian influenza in Chittoor district is yet to be ascertained.

“We have collected the samples from the poultry farms. We are awaiting the test results,” she said, adding that there is no cause for public to panic.

The Collector asked the animal husbandry, health, and sanitation officials to intensify surveillance and field-level inquiries in RKVB Peta of Karveti Nagaram mandal and its surrounding areas. The samples have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, for advanced testing.

Meanwhile, poultry farm operators were cautioned to strictly adhere to biosecurity norms, restrict entry of outsiders and vehicles, and immediately report any abnormal bird deaths or respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge or gasping.

There is no risk in consuming chicken or eggs, provided they are thoroughly cooked at temperatures above 70°C, the officials clarified.

The field staff urged the farmers and villagers to remain vigilant and avoid spreading rumours or believing them.