Following an outbreak of bird flu in Sadum in Annamayya district on Monday, a rapid action team was involved in culling the birds. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Official machinery on Monday intensified control and containment operations, which continued for the second consecutive day in Sodum mandal of Annamayya district after the spread of bird flu was confirmed.
District authorities said the culling of birds in infected zones and surveillance zones is being carried out swiftly, led by special teams of breeders and veterinary officials.
District Collector Nishant Kumar held review meetings with the concerned departments to assess the implementation of field level action plans including disinfection, safe disposal of culled birds and movement restriction.
Field staff of the Medical and Health Department were put on alert, and cashiers and the police ensured the enforcement of the restrictive measures.
A senior doctor at Madanapalle Government District Headquarters Hospital clarified that there is no evidence of human infection so far. He urged the public to cooperate with field workers to effectively curb the bird flu scare in the region.
Meanwhile, Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar has deployed additional Animal Husbandry Department personnel following reports of poultry bird deaths in parts of Karvetinagaram mandal.
Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr. D. Uma Maheswari said the prevalence of bird flu in Chittoor district is yet to be ascertained.
“We have taken samples from the poultry farms. We are waiting for the test results,” she said, adding that there was no reason for the public to panic.
The Collector has asked Animal Husbandry, Health and Sanitation officials to intensify surveillance and field investigations in RKVB Peta of Karveti Nagaram mandal and its surrounding areas. The samples were sent to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal for advanced testing.
Meanwhile, poultry farm operators have been warned to strictly adhere to biosecurity standards, restrict the entry of strangers and vehicles and immediately report any abnormal bird deaths or respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge or panting.
Chicken or eggs are not safe to eat if they are thoroughly heat-treated at temperatures above 70°C, officials said.
Field workers urged farmers and villagers to remain vigilant and not spread or believe rumours.
Published – 09 Feb 2026 18:27 IST
