Kerala on alert as Avian Influenza hits crows, migratory birds and poultry: Guidelines to follow

Alappuzha: The detection of avian influenza (H5N1) in crows, migratory birds and poultry across multiple districts has put Kerala’s disease surveillance machinery on high alert. In the latest instances, the virus has been confirmed in crows in Muhamma and Kodamthuruth in Alappuzha district and in Iritty in Kannur district. Infections have also been detected among migratory birds in Ernakulam district and in poultry stocks in Kottayam district.

The first confirmed case of avian influenza among crows in the State was reported in 2024. Health officials have described infections among free-flying birds as particularly concerning, as conventional control measures such as culling are largely impractical. Laboratory tests conducted at the high-security avian disease diagnostic laboratory in Bhopal confirmed that the deaths of around 16 crows in Ward 13 of Muhamma panchayat and Ward 13 of Kodamthuruth panchayat were caused by avian influenza. On Saturday, the virus was also confirmed as the cause of the mass crow deaths reported a month ago in the Edakkanam region of Iritty.

The disease has further been detected among migratory birds in Ward 12 of Ramamangalam panchayat in Ernakulam district and in poultry in Ward 4 of Kanjirappally panchayat in Kottayam district. Reports of avian influenza first emerged in Alappuzha and Kottayam towards the end of last month, with Alappuzha alone reporting 13 outbreak sites.

Animal Husbandry Department issues guidelines
In Kodamthuruth panchayat, around ten crows have died in recent days, while six were found dead in Muhamma panchayat about ten days ago. No further bird deaths have been reported in these areas since. Although avian influenza has been confirmed in crows, conventional containment measures, such as culling, used in poultry outbreaks, are not feasible in these cases. The only recommended action is the safe disposal of dead birds through deep burial. The Animal Husbandry Department has also issued special guidelines for poultry farms in the affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease.

Guidelines
• Entry of people into poultry farms should be strictly restricted, especially supervisors, feed suppliers, and others who visit multiple farms.
• Workers must wash their hands and feet before entering and after leaving the farm. The use of disinfectant footbaths should be made mandatory.
• Feed should not be stored in open areas.
• Vehicles should not be allowed to enter or park near farms.

• Nets should be installed to prevent free-flying birds such as crows, kites and pigeons from entering farm premises.
• Food waste should not be dumped in or around farms.
• Any sudden deaths or unusually high mortality among birds should be immediately reported to the Animal Husbandry Department.
• Dead birds must be disposed of safely and in accordance with prescribed protocols.