Nipah scare in Kerala: Animal Husbandry dept. opens control room for fast intervention

The Animal Husbandry department has opened a district-level control room in Kozhikode city following the confirmation of a Nipah virus infection case in the district, with the aim of preventing possible disease transmission from animals and coordinating surveillance and emergency response measures.

The control room has been set up at the Animal Disease Control Project Office functioning under the District Animal Husbandry Office on Bank Road, Kozhikode. The authorities have intensified surveillance in Ramanattukara municipality, where the infection was reported and, in the surrounding areas.

As part of precautionary measures, special monitoring and field inspections have commenced in all locations where bats are commonly spotted, as well as in pig farms and areas with high domestic animal populations. The department has appealed to the public to report any unusual symptoms in animals, suspicious animal deaths, or the strange increase in the number of bats, to the control room on 04952-762050.

Caution on fruits

The District Animal Husbandry Officer said residents should exercise caution to minimise the risk of exposure to the Nipah virus. People have been advised not to consume wild fruits or fruits found on the ground that may have been contaminated by bats through bites, saliva, or droppings. The official also urged the public to ensure that wells frequented by bats are protected with nets and that water from such sources is used only after proper chlorination.

The department has further directed livestock owners to immediately inform veterinary authorities if domesticated animals exhibit unusual symptoms or if sudden deaths occur. Animal owners have been cautioned against attempting to treat sick animals on their own and have been advised to seek veterinary doctors’ assistance without delay.

Gloves, face masks

People engaged in activities involving direct contact with domesticated animals in areas under surveillance have been instructed to follow safety protocols, including the use of gloves and face masks. Officials reiterated that there was no reason for panic and urged the local communities not to spread rumours or misinformation regarding the disease.

“The Animal Husbandry department, in coordination with the Health department, is closely monitoring the situation. All should follow the latest official advisories without fail,” said a senior Revenue department official who reviewed the district-level surveillance measures on Friday. He said the State government was closely monitoring the developments and a separate medical team would be deployed soon to assist the district-level authorities in overseeing the advanced safety protocol and treatment measures.