Bird Flu Outbreak Sparks High Alert in Annamayya

Bird Flu has sparked concern in Chittoor and Annamayya districts of Andhra Pradesh after country chickens were found dead in several villages over the past few days. Following reports of sudden poultry deaths in Sodam and Karvetinagaram mandals , the Animal Husbandry Department has intensified surveillance and containment efforts.

With laboratory confirmation of the virus in Annamayya district, the state government moved swiftly to contain the outbreak. Animal Husbandry Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed in the affected areas to curb further spread.

Poultry deaths were reported from Ammagaripalli and Puttavaripalli villages in Sodam mandal , prompting officials to collect samples and send them to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal . Test results received on February 8 confirmed Bird Flu, leading the district administration to implement emergency containment measures. Officials said around 90 chickens died over the weekend , following which poultry movement from affected zones was completely suspended.

The minister said standard operating procedures are being strictly enforced. Under the supervision of district collectors, coordinated teams from the Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Police and Health departments have begun the culling process. Culling has already been completed in two poultry farms , while Animal Husbandry Director Damodar Naidu is personally monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, District Collector Sumith Kumar appealed to the public not to panic, stating that Bird Flu affects only birds and does not pose a risk to humans . He urged people to disregard unverified social media messages and rely on official advisories. Residents were asked to immediately report any sudden or unexplained poultry deaths to the Animal Husbandry Department (70131 19447) or the District Control Room (08572-242730) .