Kerala health department issues prevention guidelines for the avian flu outbreak

The Kerala State Health Department issued specific guidelines on Saturday to help prevent the spread of avian influenza. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for guidelines and technical aspects was established following a meeting of the Rapid Response Team chaired by Health Minister Veena Geroge.
The measure was taken following the discovery of avian flu in ducks and crows in Cherthala, according to a ministerial release.She stated that as part of it, everyone associated with the avian sector will be watched. "People with heavy body pain, cough, cold, and breathlessness will be closely monitored and will create awareness among the public," she stated.

According to the health department, the flu has been recorded in sections of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts in Kerala. The minister also advised the public to notify the health department in the event of any unusual bird deaths, including crows. "People should not handle dead or diseased birds. "The meat and eggs should only be consumed after they have been properly cooked," the announcement stated.

According to the announcement, no cases of avian flu infection in humans have been reported from Kerala until now, and adequate precautions should be taken. Avian flu (H5N1) is an avian influenza virus that infects birds. The virus, however rare, has the potential to infect humans, according to the report. Bird deaths, including those of crows, hens, quail, and storks, were reported by Alappuzha district in the past few days.

A few days ago, the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) verified avian flu in crows for the first time in the state in Alappuzha's Muhamma gram panchayat. Meanwhile, AHD's rapid response teams have begun culling birds at hotspots near the region.
(With inputs from PTI)