Vijayawada: In response to the outbreak of bird flu in Anumallanka village, Gampalagudem, NTR district collector G Lakshmisha has instructed officials to maintain strict control measures, including continuing the buffer zone restrictions. Over 7,000 chickens have reportedly died due to the avian influenza outbreak, prompting immediate intervention from authorities.
As per the collector’s directives, the sale of chicken and eggs within the buffer zone remains prohibited until further notice. Officials have been tasked with ensuring that all precautionary measures continue across 35 villages within an eight-kilometre radius to curb the spread of the virus.
On Monday, Collector Lakshmisha conducted a high-level review meeting with officials from the Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Panchayat Raj, Medical and Health, and other departments. During the meeting, officials confirmed that lab reports from the National High-Security Disease Diagnosis Laboratory in Bhopal had verified bird flu as the cause of the poultry deaths in Anumallanka.
Authorities acted swiftly, declaring a red zone within a one-kilometre radius of the affected area. The collector emphasized the need for rigorous sanitation measures, including the spraying of disinfectants in the villages. Additionally, officials have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance over 116 poultry farms, ensuring 24×7 monitoring to prevent further spread.
Collector Lakshmisha directed officials to report any new cases immediately to higher authorities. He reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to preventing the outbreak from escalating and assured that all necessary measures were being taken.
The review meeting was attended by NTR district Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Dr. M Hanumantha Rao, District Medical and Health Officer Dr. M Suhasini, District Panchayat Officer P Lavanya Kumari, Forest Range Officer P Raju, and other officials.
Residents and poultry farmers are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities to mitigate the risks associated with the bird flu outbreak.