In the wake of avian deaths in two villages of Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, health authorities have officially declared a bird flu outbreak. Samples of deceased chickens were analyzed at a laboratory in Bhopal, confirming the presence of the avian influenza virus.
Responding swiftly, District Collector Hari Narayan called for an emergency meeting with animal husbandry officials, emphasizing the importance of containment measures. He mandated the closure of all chicken shops within a one-kilometer radius of the affected areas and directed the proper burial of the deceased birds.
To raise awareness and mitigate panic, Narayan instructed officials to conduct gram sabhas (village meetings) and educate residents about the outbreak. Despite the gravity of the situation, he reassured the public of the administration’s proactive monitoring and preventative efforts.
In his appeal to the community, Narayan urged individuals to refrain from direct contact with poultry and promptly report any symptoms indicative of avian flu, such as fever, cough, or sore throat, to nearby health facilities.
