By :- Team VOH
16 Jun 2024
The Kerala Health Department has issued special guidelines to prevent the spread of avian flu following confirmed cases among ducks and crows in Cherthala. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and technical guidelines were established after a meeting of the Rapid Response Team, chaired by Health Minister Veena George.
The minister highlighted that people connected to the avian sector would be closely monitored. "Individuals experiencing severe body pain, cough, cold, and breathlessness will be observed, and public awareness will be increased," she stated.
The flu has been reported in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts. The public is urged to report any unnatural bird deaths, including those of crows, to the health department. "Do not handle dead or infected birds. Ensure meat and eggs are thoroughly cooked before consumption," the release advised.
While no human infections have been reported in Kerala, the minister emphasized the importance of taking proper precautions. Avian flu (H5N1) primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans in rare cases. Recently, bird deaths, including those of crows, chickens, quail, and storks, have been reported in Alappuzha district.
The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) confirmed bird flu in crows in Muhamma grama panchayat, marking the first such case in the state. Rapid response teams from the AHD are actively culling birds in the identified hotspots to contain the outbreak.
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