Andhra Pradesh's Animal Husbandry Minister, K. Atchannaidu, announced on Thursday that the Central Government has dispatched specialised teams to assess the Avian Influenza (bird flu) situation in the state, following the outbreak of the viral disease across three districts.
Over the last 45 days, the disease has caused the death of approximately 5.4 lakh chickens in the southern state, prompting the Animal Husbandry Department to initiate culling operations and establish restricted zones in the affected areas to control the spread.
The worst-hit areas include Badampudi village in Eluru district, where 2.2 lakh chickens have died; Velpuru in West Godavari district, with 2.5 lakh deaths; Kanuru Agraharam in East Godavari district, which saw the loss of 65,000 chickens; and Gampalagudem in NTR district, where 7,000 chickens died.
Government actions to control bird flu
The bird flu (H5N1) was first detected in two villages—Velpuru in West Godavari and Kanuru Agraharam in East Godavari. In response, officials started culling birds in affected poultry farms.
So far, bird deaths have been reported in:
- Badampudi (Eluru district): 2.2 lakh chickens
- Velpuru (West Godavari district): 2.5 lakh chickens
- Kanuru Agraharam (East Godavari district): 65,000 chickens
- Gampalagudem (NTR district): 7,000 chickens
Also Read: Over 150 chickens die as bird flu spreads in Ranchi
Atchannaidu provided further details, explaining that the state’s Chief Minister had a comprehensive discussion with senior scientists in Bhopal as well as with the Central Government’s Secretary.
As a result, the Central Government dispatched teams to Andhra Pradesh to assess and address the situation more effectively.
A senior official from the Centre is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh on February 14 to monitor the situation firsthand. In response to the outbreak, affected poultry farms have been declared bio-secure zones to prevent the spread of the disease.
The state government has deployed additional officials to ensure the enforcement of containment measures in these areas.
The minister confirmed that the culling process has been completed at three affected poultry farms, with operations set to conclude at the remaining two farms by the end of the day. He further stated that officials are continuously monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.
Reassuring the public, Atchannaidu emphasized that there is no risk in consuming boiled eggs and properly cooked chicken. He urged the public to avoid succumbing to unnecessary rumors spreading on social media and in the mainstream media, advising them to stay calm and informed.
The state government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to control the outbreak and minimize any potential health risks.
Also Read: Bird flu: Rapid response teams in all districts of Jharkhand
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