The Avian Influenza outbreak in Andhra Pradesh has resulted in the deaths of 5.4 lakh chickens over the past 45 days, prompting the Animal Husbandry Department to take swift action. In response, the state government has declared affected areas as restricted zones and initiated culling operations to contain the spread of the disease.
Animal Husbandry Minister K. Atchannaidu assured the public that there is no need to panic, as necessary measures are in place. He emphasized that misinformation is being spread on social media, with false claims suggesting that 40 lakh chickens have died. “Only 5.4 lakh birds have succumbed to the disease, out of a total of 10.7 crore chickens in the state,” he clarified.
The worst-affected areas include Badampudi village in Eluru district (2.2 lakh deaths), Velpuru in West Godavari district (2.5 lakh deaths), Kanuru Agraharam in East Godavari district (65,000 deaths), and Gampalagudem in NTR district (7,000 deaths). The government has deployed 721 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to monitor the situation and enforce containment measures.
Following discussions with senior scientists and officials from the Central Government, teams have been dispatched to assess the situation.
To prevent further spread, the state has declared a 1 km radius around affected areas as alert zones, with a 10 km radius designated as a surveillance zone. Chicken shops within these areas have been temporarily closed, and poultry transportation is being closely monitored at state borders.
Minister Atchannaidu reassured citizens that boiled eggs and properly cooked chicken are safe to consume, as the virus cannot survive temperatures above 70°C. He also attributed the outbreak to unsanitary poultry farming practices, urging farm owners to take preventive measures, especially against migratory birds.
Animal Husbandry Department Director Damodar Naidu stated that containment efforts are being reinforced, especially in Krishna district and the Godavari region, which have a high density of poultry farms. Similar restrictions are being implemented in areas with large water bodies that attract migratory birds.
The government has urged people to avoid panic and refrain from spreading misinformation, emphasizing that the situation is under control and containment measures are effectively in place.
