A bird flu outbreak has been officially confirmed in Alappuzha district after the death of more than 20,000 ducks across seven panchayats in the Kuttanad region. The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has informed the Kerala government of the confirmation.
The mass deaths were reported from Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta, Karthikappally, Ambalappuzha South, Punnapra South and Thakazhi. Ducks in these areas reportedly died after showing symptoms consistent with avian influenza.
Samples were initially tested at a laboratory in Thiruvalla, where results came back positive. The samples were later sent to Bhopal for further confirmation. Subsequent testing at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory also confirmed the presence of bird flu, following which the central ministry officially notified the state government.
Authorities are expected to step up containment and surveillance measures in the affected regions to prevent the spread of the disease.
