Alappuzha: Avian influenza has resurfaced in Kerala, with cases confirmed in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The infection was detected after samples were tested at a laboratory in Bhopal. The animal husbandry department has received the results and issued directions for immediate containment measures.

In Alappuzha district, the disease has been confirmed in one ward each across eight panchayats: Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta, Karthikappally, Ambalappuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi and Purakkad. Chickens were found infected in Nedumudi, while ducks were affected in the remaining panchayats.

In Kottayam district, avian influenza has been reported in wards under Kuruppanthara, Manjoor, Kallupuraykkal and Velur. Quails and chickens were found to be infected in these areas.

As per the Animal Husbandry Department’s action plan, the State Government has been directed to immediately declare infected and surveillance zones, restrict access to infected premises, cull affected birds, and ensure the safe disposal of carcasses and contaminated materials. The measures also include thorough cleaning and disinfection of premises, sealing of affected areas, issuance of sanitisation certificates, and post-operation surveillance.

In addition to the culling strategy, surveillance will be conducted within a radius of up to 10 kilometres from the epicentre of infection. Legislative measures, as laid down in the Contingency Plan (2005) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will also be enforced.