Kerala forest minister gives confirmation regarding prevalence of bird flu in state

Kerala’s state minister for Forest, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development K Raju has given the confirmation pertaining to prevalence of bird flu in two places in the state on Monday.

Though, he iterated the virus cannot be transmitted to humans. While addressing the reporters in the state, K Raju said, “It is confirmed in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Eight samples of ducks have been tested in Bhopal out of which five tested positive. The presence of the H5N8 virus has been confirmed.”

The minister further mentioned about the immediate steps taken to resolve the issue and bring the bird flu contagion under control just as the confirmation was given by the rest results revealed on Sunday.

The minister added, “Control rooms will be opened in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Rapid action forces will be deployed and no panic situation prevails. The H5N8 virus has been reported in Kerala in the past. The virus will not spread to humans.”

K Raju mentioned about the decision taken to take the lives of the birds within one kilometre area from where the infection was reported. Speaking about which birds to be killed, he stated, “This includes ornamental birds and domestic birds. Compensation for farmers will be decided in consultation with the Chief Minister. About 12,000 ducks have died already and about 36,000 ducks will have to be killed.”

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