Bird flu confirmed in Andhra’s Annamayya district; govt steps up surveillance, containment

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up surveillance and containment measures after avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed in parts of Annamayya district, with precautionary action extended to neighbouring Chittoor district as well.

High mortality among chickens in two days

Animal Husbandry Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said avian influenza cases were confirmed on February 8 in Ammagaripalli and Puttavaripalli villages of Sodam mandal in Annamayya district. The confirmation came after laboratory analysis by the Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD).

According to officials, around 40 country chickens died on Saturday, followed by about 50 more deaths on Sunday, prompting immediate intervention.

Rapid response teams and culling operations

Following the confirmation, the district administration imposed restrictions on the movement of birds in and out of the affected areas. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were deployed to contain the spread, and culling operations were carried out strictly as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The minister said these operations were conducted under the supervision of district collectors, with coordinated efforts from the Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Health departments.

Precautionary measures in Chittoor

Separately, reports of sudden bird deaths emerged from Karvetinagaram mandal in Chittoor district. Veterinary teams conducted field inspections and sent samples to NIHSAD for testing. Farmers in the area were advised to follow strict biosecurity measures while authorities await laboratory results.

Samples sent, results awaited

Officials confirmed that culling was completed in two poultry farms on Sunday.

Meanwhile, two additional samples collected from Sodam mandal in Annamayya district and Karvetinagaram mandal in Chittoor district have been dispatched to the Bhopal laboratory, with results pending.

Officials urge vigilance

Director of Animal Husbandry Damodara Naidu visited the affected villages to review containment efforts. He advised field staff and poultry farmers to strictly adhere to disease control protocols and urged them to immediately report any unusual or sudden bird deaths.

The minister reiterated that the government remains on high alert and is taking all necessary steps to prevent the spread of avian influenza and protect poultry farmers and public health.