Bird flu reported in Malappuram district

MALAPPURAM: After Kozhikode, avian influenza or bird flu was confirmed in Palathingal region of Parappanangadi in Malappuram district and authorities have decided to cull around 4,000 poultry and pet birds to curtail spread of the disease.
Collector Jafar Malik said chicken stalls and egg sale counters within a 10km radius would be closed down as part of precautionary measures.Sale of birds, which were kept in shops and stalls in the area, has also been banned. Police and motor vehicles department have formed special squads to prevent transportation of birds from affected areas to other parts of the district.
He also said the culling process would be held between March 14 and March 16 at a vacant land in Parappanangadi municipality. Culled birds would be burnt. Droppings and eggs of birds would also burnt as a precaution.
Ten rapid response teams with seven members each, have been formed to coordinate the activities to curb the spread of disease. Malik said more teams would be deployed if required. Staff of local bodies also would join the teams and they would be specially trained for the programme. Masks and sanitary materials for the culling process would be distributed to the rapid response teams soon.
Malik said hotels in the district have been directed to be alert while preparing food items with chicken. People have been directed to approach nearest health centres if they have health issues.
Veterinary authorities have opened a round-the-clock control rooms at Malappuram and Tirurrangadi to support public in view of the report of disease.
Health authorities would distribute preventive medicines in areas where the bird flu has been reported. A special isolation ward would be arranged in Tirurangadi taluk hospital.
Meanwhile, the collector has informed that samples collected from dead crows from Peruvallur recently tested negative and there is no need for panic.
District police chief U Abdul Kareem, district medical officer Dr K Sakkeena, animal husbandry department director Dr C Madhu and officials of different departments attended a special meeting convened to discuss the issue.