Bird flu confirmed in two villages of Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh

The Animal Husbandry Department has confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) at Ammagaripalli and Puttavaripalli villages of Sodam mandal in Annamayya district.

The confirmation was received from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, and officially notified by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, on February 8, 2026 (Sunday).

In a release, officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry said that following the confirmation, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were deployed in the affected villages and culling operations initiated strictly in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures.

“The operations are being supervised by the respective District Collectors and are being carried out in coordination with the Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Medical and Health departments,” the officials said. As part of the preventive measures, surveillance was enhanced in the areas surrounding these villages.

Veterinary teams also responded to reports of sudden poultry mortality in Karvetinagaram mandal of Chittoor district. Samples collected from the affected farm were sent to the NIHSAD, and necessary bio-security and precautionary measures advised to the farmer concerned.

Officials said strict containment, movement control, disinfection, and continuous surveillance were being enforced in and around the affected areas to prevent further spread of the virus.

“There is no need to panic,” the department said, adding that avian influenza primarily affected birds and that consumption of properly cooked poultry meat and eggs was safe. “Adequate preventive and control measures are firmly in place,” the officials said.

Poultry farmers had been advised to maintain strict bio-security measures, promptly report any unusual bird mortality to veterinary authorities, and adhere to the departmental guidelines, the release said.