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In light of the recent Avian Influenza outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, K Athcannaidu, the state's Animal Husbandry Minister, has urged the public not to succumb to panic. His assurances come amidst rampant speculation on social media, with some falsely claiming the death toll among chickens to reach 40 lakh. Contrasting these exaggerated figures, Athcannaidu clarified that only 5.4 lakh birds have succumbed to the disease out of the state's 10.7 crore chicken population.
Addressing concerns over the spread of the bird flu virus, Athcannaidu highlighted the swift response from state authorities. He mentioned that measures were immediately taken to mitigate the outbreak's impact, including the disposal of 14,000 chickens and 340 eggs from four affected poultry farms. This action was prompted after the detection of Avian Influenza in two villages within the Godavari region, leading to culling operations at nearby poultry farms.
Amid the growing anxiety, Athcannaidu reassured the public regarding the consumption of poultry products. He emphasized that the virus is not a threat to those consuming properly cooked chicken and eggs, as Avian flu cannot survive temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. This fact is significant given the common cooking practices for these foods, which typically involve boiling or frying at high temperatures.
The outbreak, first identified in the villages of Velpuru and Kanuru Agraharam, prompted the deployment of 721 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) across the state. These teams are tasked with monitoring the situation and implementing control measures to contain the spread of the H5N1 virus. The recent casualties reported from various districts have led to heightened vigilance, with restrictions placed on the movement of poultry within a 10 km radius of affected areas.
In response to the bird flu scare, certain preventive steps have been taken by the state government. This includes the shutdown of chicken shops within a 10 km radius of the outbreak zones and the establishment of surveillance areas to contain the disease's spread. Damodar Naidu, the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, outlined these measures in an official statement, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and minimize the outbreak's impact.
Officials have also focused on preventing the entry of migratory birds into poultry farms, a measure aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. This comes as part of a broader strategy to enforce sanitary practices among poultry farmers, who have been identified as contributors to the outbreak due to unsanitary conditions. The state's vigilant approach extends to monitoring chicken transportation at its borders, ensuring that containment efforts are thorough and effective.
As the situation unfolds, the emphasis remains on public reassurance and the safety of consuming poultry products outside the alert zones. The state's comprehensive response, including the deployment of RRTs in strategic locations and the implementation of containment measures in districts with significant poultry farming activities, illustrates a determined effort to control the Avian Influenza outbreak. While the impact of the disease is reportedly waning, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the public remains informed and protected against potential risks.
