Bird Flu Confirmed in Several Districts of Kerala

24-Dec-2025 10:56 AM

Kottayam: Bird flu is spreading in several districts of Kerala, the southernmost state of India, causing panic in the poultry industry. The disease, avian influenza, has been confirmed primarily in chickens and other birds like quail.

Reports of the disease spreading in several villages of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala are causing concern, particularly regarding the demand for maize. The outbreak of the disease during the Christmas and New Year festive season is a matter of grave concern for poultry producers.

Experts from the Animal Husbandry Department have confirmed the rapid spread of the pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Samples sent from Kerala to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were tested, and experts confirmed the presence of bird flu.

Based on this, officials of the Kerala Animal Husbandry Department believe that the disease is spreading in the state and needs to be controlled.

According to official sources, bird flu has spread to eight panchayats in Alappuzha district and four villages in Kottayam district of Kerala.

The primary objective of the Animal Husbandry Department is to prevent the further spread of the disease and to control it on a war footing in the affected areas.

Necessary precautionary measures are being taken to prevent the disease from spreading further, otherwise, a large number of infected birds may have to be culled.

The poultry industry consumes large quantities of maize and other grains, as well as soybean meal and DDGS, therefore, immediate control of bird flu is essential.