Authorities have formally confirmed the presence of the Avian Influenza virus, primarily in the Kovur and Podalakuru mandals, which is a serious setback for poultry producers in the Nellore region. The confirmation of the H5N1 subtype, a variant of the Influenza virus, emerged from reports concerning the Chagatla and Gummalladibba poultry farms situated within Podalakuru and Kovur mandals, respectively.
Urgent Measures Initiated by District Authorities
Responding promptly to the emergent situation, a high-level meeting was arranged by the District Collector. The primary agenda of the meeting was to address the escalating concerns and strategize immediate preventive measures to contain the spread of Avian Influenza within the affected areas. Given the significance of the poultry industry in the district, established since 1978, the impact of such outbreaks is not only economic but also deeply ingrained in the livelihoods of many in the region. District Collector has issued stringent directives to the concerned officials to enforce rigorous measures aimed at curbing the transmission of Avian Influenza. Dr C. Pavan Kumar, Assistant Director (AH) shared this information with Krishi Jagran.
Laboratory Confirmation
Samples have been dispatched to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for further analysis, which subsequently confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza. As a preventive measure, authorities have ordered the closure of chicken shops for a period of three days within a ten-kilometer radius of the affected areas. Moreover, chicken shops will remain closed for a duration of three months within a one-kilometer radius. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the movement of chickens out of the infected areas for a period of 15 days, and the introduction of new chickens from other regions has been prohibited.
About Avian Influenza/Bird Flu
Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also be transmitted to humans. It is caused by Influenza Type A viruses, with various subtypes such as H5N1, H7N9, and others. The virus can lead to severe illness and even death in both birds and humans. Prevention measures include strict biosecurity protocols in poultry farms and monitoring for outbreaks to prevent transmission to humans.
The gravity of the situation necessitates swift and coordinated efforts from both governmental and community levels to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on the poultry industry and safeguard public health within the said district.
