The Telangana government has issued an urgent warning to poultry farmers and has prohibited the entry of poultry from Andhra Pradesh following the confirmation of avian influenza in the neighboring state. This decisive action was taken after a bird flu outbreak emerged in the East Godavari district, prompting authorities to establish a red zone around the affected area.
In response, approximately 24 check posts have been established along Telangana’s Nalgonda district border, where officials are redirecting vehicles transporting chickens from Andhra Pradesh. The Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department confirmed that these measures are in accordance with central government guidelines aimed at stifling the virus’s spread.
OUTBREAK IN EAST GODAVARI
The outbreak was identified at Ramakrishna Poultry Farm in Kanuru Agraharam village, where samples tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza strain. Authorities have sealed off the farm and deployed specialized teams to cull over 1,500 chickens to contain the outbreak.
A one-kilometre radius surrounding the farm has been classified as a red zone, while a 10-kilometre radius has been designated a surveillance zone. The district administration has prohibited the sale of chickens and eggs within this region to thwart any potential spread of the virus.
Medical camps are being organized to monitor the health of local residents, and officials are urging the community to report any symptoms such as fever, cough, or diarrhea. A district official emphasized, “We urge the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and report any unusual bird or animal fatalities in the area.”
TELANGANA ON HIGH ALERT
Given the significance of poultry farming in Telangana, state officials have significantly heightened surveillance and have warned farmers to remain on high alert. District collectors and relevant government departments have been instructed to closely monitor any suspicious deaths of chickens and other livestock.
Meetings are being held with poultry farmers and industry stakeholders to promote awareness regarding precautionary measures against avian influenza. Concurrently, a team of experts from the Animal Husbandry Department has been dispatched to East Godavari to oversee containment efforts.
Authorities are calling on the public and poultry industry participants to cooperate with containment strategies to prevent the virus’s spread into Telangana.
