Avian Flu in Kerala - Bird Culling Begins in Alappuzha; See Pics

The Kerala government has received a proposal to classify an outbreak of bird flu as a state-specific disaster by the animal husbandry department after cases were reported from some parts of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. The authorities ordered the culling of ducks, hens and other domestic birds in and around a one km radius of the affected areas. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

The bird flu was reported from four panchayats--Nedumudi, Thakazhy, Pallippad and Karuvatta--in Kuttanad region of Alappuzha district and from a duck farm in Neendoor panchayat in Kottayam district. Around 1,700 ducks have died on the farm due to the virus infection. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)

Health officials culling birds methodically as per the avian flu management protocol in Kerala. (Image: Kerala PRD)