Strict surveillance, movement control, disinfection and round-the-clock surveillance are being implemented in and around the affected areas to prevent further spread of the virus, officials say. File | Photo credit: GN RAO
The animal husbandry department has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu (commonly called bird flu) in Ammagaripalli and Puttavaripalli villages of Sodam mandal in Annamayya district.
The confirmation was received from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal and officially notified by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India on 08 February 2026 (Sunday).
In a report, officials of the Animal Husbandry Department said that upon confirmation, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were deployed in the affected villages and culling operations were initiated strictly in accordance with standard operating procedures.
“The operations are supervised by the concerned District Collectors and carried out in coordination with Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj and Medical and Health Departments,” officials said. As part of preventive measures, surveillance was strengthened in the vicinity of these municipalities.
Veterinary teams also responded to reports of sudden poultry deaths in Karvetinagaram mandal of Chittoor district. Samples collected from the affected farm were sent to NIHSAD and necessary biosecurity and precautionary measures were advised to the concerned farmer.
Officials said strict surveillance, movement control, disinfection and round-the-clock surveillance are being implemented in and around the affected areas to prevent further spread of the virus.
“There is no need to panic,” the ministry said, adding that bird flu primarily affects birds and that properly cooked poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat. “Adequate prevention and control measures are firmly in place,” officials said.
Poultry farmers have been advised to observe strict biosecurity measures, immediately report any unusual bird mortality to veterinary authorities and follow the ministry’s guidelines, the report said.
Published – 08 Feb 2026 20:37 IST
