Andhra Pradesh officials sound alert on bird flu, collect samples from poultry farms
The Hindu
Alert issued in Vijayawada over bird flu outbreak in Nellore district; officials form teams to prevent spread.
Officials sounded an alert over the presence of Avian Influenza A(H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Nellore district.
The Veterinary Department, who confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in poultry farms, observed that many chickens have died of the flu. The poultry owners culled hundreds of birds to prevent the spread of the Avian Influenza A(H5N1).
The State government has formed special teams and issued instructions to officers concerned to take stringent measures to prevent the spread of bird flu.
In all 721 rapid response teams have been constituted across the State, and instructions have been given to collect samples and create awareness among the poultry farmers on the disease.
The teams will cover all villages where poultry farms are located as part of their survey on bird flu.
“Except Nellore district, there have been no reports of bird flu from other districts in the State. There is no need for any panic,” said a veterinary doctor.
Meanwhile, there was a drop in sales of chicken on Sunday in the wake of the bird flu scare.

“Through several targeted attacks against the minorities in the name of religion, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar organisations are on a mission to fragment the State into religious segments,” said Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan. He headed the protest organised by VCK here on Monday against the BJP and Sangh Parivar organisation for inciting violence based on religion. Speaking there, he said, “The RSS’s plan is specifically to turn Hindus into paupers and the Sangh Parivar organisations through intimidating the minorities, have been trying to incite communal frenzy in the State.”












