Heron tests positive for bird flu in Kannur

The discovery of a heron infected with bird flu in the Ayyikara port area in Ward 43 of Kannur Corporation for the first time in the region led the authorities to warn the public and increase surveillance measures.

Samples were collected after many herons were found dead in the area. One in five samples tested tested positive for bird flu, officials said.

Chief Veterinary Officer CP Dhananjayan said Kannur had earlier reported several cases of crows testing positive for the virus, but this is the first time a heron has been found to be infected.

According to officials, the first samples collected from the birds tested negative. However, after more herons were found dead in the area, fresh samples were sent for analysis. These were tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, where the H5N1 infection was confirmed on Wednesday, May 6.

Mr. Dhananjayan said that since the infected bird was a migratory bird, the authorities did not impose restrictions but issued recommendations to people involved in poultry farming and trade. Poultry farmers and traders have been asked to immediately inform the Animal Husbandry department if any unusual deaths in chickens or other birds are noticed.

People are asked to be vigilant if unusual symptoms or deaths are noticed in migratory birds. Poultry owners have been advised to prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds and avoid unnecessary visits to areas frequented by migratory birds.

Surveillance will be intensified on poultry farms in the affected area, officials said. The Forest and Wildlife Department will also be informed if further intervention is deemed necessary.

The administration has appealed to people not to spread rumors and strictly follow the instructions issued by the Health and Animal Husbandry departments.