Low-risk bird flu confirmed in Kollam

Officials have confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza at Thottathara hatchery in Ayur under Kollam district panchayat following a series of poultry deaths. However, laboratory tests conducted at National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal have identified the strain as H9N2, not the highly virulent H5N1.

“H9N2 is a low-intensity virus that does not pose a threat to humans, unlike the H5N1 variant. While we are taking all necessary precautions, that there is no threat of a widespread or severe outbreak,” said district animal husbandry officer D. Shine Kumar.

Quick escalation

The outbreak at the Thottathara hatchery in Ayur first surfaced on January 2, with the initial death of eight birds. The mortality rate escalated quickly over the following days, prompting the Animal Husbandry Department to intervene. Out of a total population of 9,318 chickens, the farm has lost 1,283 birds as of yesterday. Preliminary observations indicate the infection began within the Kaveri breed, which had been transported from Hesaraghatta in Karnataka last year.

“The mortality rate of chickens has begun to decrease as of yesterday. The State Institute of Animal Diseases (SIAD) at Palode has commenced post-mortem examinations on the deceased birds to rule out secondary infections. Future containment and management strategies will now be coordinated at the State level,” he said.

In addition to Elamadu panchayat where Thottathara hatchery is located, surveillance will be intensified in Ittiva, Edamulakkal, Kalluvathukkal, Ummannoor, Kadakkal, Veliyam, Velinalloor, Vettikkavala, Chadayamangalam, Nilamel, Pooyappally, Anchal, and Alayamon. Furthermore, Madavoor and Pallikkal on the Thiruvananthapuram district border will also be under observation. “Strict bio-security measures will be implemented by Animal Husbandry department at the State-run Kureepuzha turkey farm and Kuryottumala hi-tech farm,” said Mr. Shine Kumar.