Kerala issues advisory after bird flu outbreak in Alappuzha

The disease was confirmed after the samples of the ducks showing symptoms of bird flu were sent to a lab in Bhopal for testing.

According to the action plan of the Central government, it was decided at a meeting chaired by the district collector to initiate the process of culling domestic birds within a radius of 1 km from the epicentre.

Related: Bird flu outbreak reported in Kerala’s Alappuzha

The advisdory

The Alappuzha district administration said there was no need to panic unnecessarily as there was no possibility of the disease being transmitted to humans.

Nevertheless, the minister released an advisory to the people, with instructions focusing on what to do to limit the spread of the disease among birds in the area.

Some of the instructions:

• Hands should be washed frequently with hot water and soap before and after handling dead birds, infected birds, migratory birds, or their droppings.
• Gloves and masks must be worn while handling infected or dead birds within a radius of 1 kilometre from the epicentre of the disease.
• Hands should be cleaned with water and soap before and after handling raw chicken meat.
• Use only well-cooked meat and well-boiled eggs.
• If you notice unusual deaths of birds/migratory birds in your vicinity, inform the nearest animal husbandry department office.
• Contact the nearest health centre if you experience any physical discomfort after handling birds.

(With PTI inputs)