The experts cited factors such as the child’s low immunity, unsanitary living conditions, consumption of undercooked meat, and leptospirosis as additional causes.
Published Apr 05, 2025 | 2:41 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 05, 2025 | 2:41 PM
ICMR, Animal Husbandry officials alleviate fears of widespread Bird Flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh is on alert following H5N1 outbreaks in six districts after a young girl’s death in Palnadu. A joint team from central and state authorities assessed the situation, confirming the virus in the girl’s case but stating the risk of a broader outbreak is low. Officials are strengthening preventive measures, while local poultry markets are resuming cautiously after sanitation measures.
Andhra Pradesh is on alert after official notifications of avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in six districts: East Godavari, West Godavari, Kurnool, Kakinada, NTR, and Eluru. The alerts follow the recent death of a young girl in the Palnadu district, where H5N1 was confirmed in her samples.
The incident has prompted swift action from both state and central authorities. A joint team from the Centre and State visited affected areas to assess the ground situation, conduct inspections, and review health and veterinary response measures.
On 4 April, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat with officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), following their visit to Palnadu. While central health experts confirmed the presence of the virus in the child’s case, they emphasized multiple contributing factors and stated that the risk of a broader outbreak remains low.
The experts cited factors such as the child’s low immunity, unsanitary living conditions, consumption of undercooked meat, and leptospirosis — an infection spread through rat feces — as additional causes. They reassured that there is no evidence of bird flu spreading in the area. Eight medical teams have conducted a thorough survey, testing family members, neighbors, and locals, and found no further cases.
The chief minister instructed state health officials to strengthen preventive measures and improve public hygiene to avoid future incidents. Health authorities also confirmed that antiviral medications have been stocked and that the situation remains controlled. “There is no need to panic,” the ICMR team assured, stressing that the case appears to be isolated, with no threat of a broader outbreak.
The joint team’s visit began at the district Collector’s office, where officials detailed the steps taken — including sample collection, surveillance, medical camps, and sanitation. Notably, no additional ILI/SARI cases have been reported.
The team visited the child’s home, where the incident began on 27 February, after the child allegedly consumed raw chicken. Symptoms began the next day, eventually leading to admission at AIIMS Mangalagiri on 4 March. The child passed away on 16 March. Lab tests confirmed Influenza A and leptospira; on 31 March, NIV Pune confirmed H5N1.
Environmental risk factors such as rodent infestation and undercooked meat consumption were noted. The team also inspected the Taj Chicken Centre and Ganesh Poultry, collecting samples for further testing. The findings were shared with senior health officials and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who emphasized ongoing preventive measures.
Speaking to South First, the West Godavari Animal Husbandry officials explained that the recent notification of the outbreak does not paint a complete picture. “The outbreak notification was issued because central labs confirmed the cases of Avian Influenza. Meanwhile, we were already addressing its spread district-wide,” he said. He added that they were able to successfully halt the disease spread in the district currently.
Similar news came out of the Kurnool district as well. “There was widespread Bird Flu in February. However, there are no more cases in the district,” local Animal Husvandry officials inform South First. Alleviating any concerns regarding meat consumption, he reported that the poultry market was in full swing. “We’ve taken all the requisite culling and sanitation measures to curb the disease’s spread,” he stated.
However, in Eluru, the poultry market is yet to make a comeback. “Honestly, the Bird Flu episode is over,” district Animal Husbandry officials tell South First.
“It was over about a month back. However, the outbreak notification came only recently. During the peak, we already undertook sanitisation measures. We also sealed numerous poultry farms district-wide,” he reported.
Yet, there was a criteria the district had to meet before the market could thrive again. “We need to send samples every 15 days for about three months to the Centre. Only once we have three consecutive negative results can we reopen that market and allow for new poultry,” he revealed. Currently, the district has only sent two samples, with the third one scheduled in about 10 days.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
