Thiruvananthapuram, Migratory birds and crows in Kerala forests are suspected of carrying the avian influenza virus, causing its spread to domestic ducks and poultry farms in the state, according to a study by a panel of experts. appointed by the government.
The panel submitted its report to state Livestock Minister J. Chinchurani on Monday.
The team was appointed in view of the rising cases of bird flu in the state, particularly in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, causing huge losses to duck and poultry farmers.
The minister said the government will carefully review the report's recommendations and take appropriate action. The team of experts was made up of specialists from the Department of Livestock and scientists from the Veterinary University.
"The team found that the disease may have spread through the movement of birds from one place to another. These birds were probably infected by migratory birds and also spread the disease through their sale," a government statement said, citing the study.
The remains of birds that died from bird flu, as well as their food and droppings, were not scientifically disposed of, leading to the spread of the disease to other birds, he said.
The study noted that uncontrolled movement of birds from one farm to another has contributed to the spread of the disease. Besides, movement of supervisors from integrated farms in Cherthala and Thanneermukkom in Alappuzha district to other farms has also influenced the spread of the disease.
The report suggests that the disease may have spread through infected crows and that there is a possibility of the disease spreading from forest birds that have the virus to domestic ducks and other chicken farms.
He clarifies that there is no evidence that the disease has been brought from outside the state.
The panel has recommended that a detailed study be carried out on broilers and ducks brought from other states for breeding purposes. It also suggests that a detailed genetic study of the virus is necessary.
The panel has recommended that the National Action Plan 2021 for the prevention and control of avian flu be strictly implemented.
Sale and movement of birds (both in and out) in all bird flu-affected districts should be banned till March 2025, he said.
"Government farms and hatcheries in the surveillance area should also be closed till March 2025. Remains of dead birds should be disposed of in a proper and scientific manner. Samples should be collected and tested every month in Kuttanad region till March 2025. .
"Registration of private chicken and duck farms should be made mandatory in government veterinary hospitals. Local self-government institutions should also make licensing of private chicken and duck farms mandatory," the report said.
He also said that eggs and chicks coming from other states should be tested for the presence of the avian flu virus.
"Every four months, the government should conduct mandatory biosecurity audits on private poultry farms. Only 3,000 to 5,000 ducks should be allowed to be raised on a duck farm. The number of ducks that can be raised on a duck farm should be determined. panchayat area. based on the land area of that region," the report says.
He declared that only licensed slaughterhouses should be granted licenses for processing chicken and duck meat.
"Disposal of waste from chicken and duck farms into rivers and canals should be banned," the report says, recommending short- and long-term plans to prevent bird flu.
The panel submitted its report to state Livestock Minister J. Chinchurani on Monday.
The team was appointed in view of the rising cases of bird flu in the state, particularly in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, causing huge losses to duck and poultry farmers.
The minister said the government will carefully review the report's recommendations and take appropriate action. The team of experts was made up of specialists from the Department of Livestock and scientists from the Veterinary University.
"The team found that the disease may have spread through the movement of birds from one place to another. These birds were probably infected by migratory birds and also spread the disease through their sale," a government statement said, citing the study.
The remains of birds that died from bird flu, as well as their food and droppings, were not scientifically disposed of, leading to the spread of the disease to other birds, he said.
The study noted that uncontrolled movement of birds from one farm to another has contributed to the spread of the disease. Besides, movement of supervisors from integrated farms in Cherthala and Thanneermukkom in Alappuzha district to other farms has also influenced the spread of the disease.
The report suggests that the disease may have spread through infected crows and that there is a possibility of the disease spreading from forest birds that have the virus to domestic ducks and other chicken farms.
He clarifies that there is no evidence that the disease has been brought from outside the state.
The panel has recommended that a detailed study be carried out on broilers and ducks brought from other states for breeding purposes. It also suggests that a detailed genetic study of the virus is necessary.
The panel has recommended that the National Action Plan 2021 for the prevention and control of avian flu be strictly implemented.
Sale and movement of birds (both in and out) in all bird flu-affected districts should be banned till March 2025, he said.
"Government farms and hatcheries in the surveillance area should also be closed till March 2025. Remains of dead birds should be disposed of in a proper and scientific manner. Samples should be collected and tested every month in Kuttanad region till March 2025. .
"Registration of private chicken and duck farms should be made mandatory in government veterinary hospitals. Local self-government institutions should also make licensing of private chicken and duck farms mandatory," the report said.
He also said that eggs and chicks coming from other states should be tested for the presence of the avian flu virus.
"Every four months, the government should conduct mandatory biosecurity audits on private poultry farms. Only 3,000 to 5,000 ducks should be allowed to be raised on a duck farm. The number of ducks that can be raised on a duck farm should be determined. panchayat area. based on the land area of that region," the report says.
He declared that only licensed slaughterhouses should be granted licenses for processing chicken and duck meat.
"Disposal of waste from chicken and duck farms into rivers and canals should be banned," the report says, recommending short- and long-term plans to prevent bird flu.
