The bird slaughter took place at Kakkodi grama panchayat in Kozhikode on March 21.
Members of the rapid response team began culling birds in areas affected by the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Kozhikode district on Saturday (March 21), even as the health department issued a warning to the public and those who come into contact with domestic birds.
KK Rajaram, district medical officer, said in a report that the viral infection is commonly spread from bird to bird but can also be transmitted from bird to human. Those who keep affected birds, home hobbyists, butchers, veterinarians and their assistants must take precautions. Severe body ache, fever, cough, breathing problems, runny nose and blood in mucus are some of the symptoms in humans.
A total of 14,228 domestic birds are killed within one kilometer radius of the identified epicenters in Panangad, Kakkodi, Olavanna and Perumanna grama panchayats and Nallalam area of Kozhikode Corporation. Up to 1,250 chickens were slaughtered on Saturday. In the next phase, birds not included in the culling exercise will be killed using a “mopping” exercise and hidden or displaced birds will be removed using a “combing” operation. Authorities have also banned the sale and transport of domestic poultry within a 10 km radius of these areas.
Published – 21 March 2026 21:17 IST
