Kerala Reports Bird Flu Outbreak in Alappuzha and Kottayam Districts

Kerala has confirmed a bird flu outbreak affecting poultry in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The State Animal Husbandry Minister reported that the outbreak was detected about a week ago, with infected chickens and ducks found in various areas. While there are currently no restrictions on poultry consumption, the situation is being closely monitored. The outbreak could impact farmers during the busy holiday season, and compensation issues may arise due to funding challenges. Expert teams are on the ground assessing the situation, as the disease is believed to spread through migratory birds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 15:53 IST

Bird Flu Confirmed in Kerala

Authorities in Kerala have confirmed a bird flu outbreak affecting poultry in the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The announcement was made following the results from samples sent to a central laboratory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

State Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani stated that the first signs of avian flu were detected about a week ago.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses. While it primarily affects birds, it does not easily transmit to humans. However, individuals who come into contact with infected birds can contract the virus.

Recent reports indicate that the outbreak has been identified in several panchayats in Alappuzha, including Nedumudi, Cheruthana, Karuvatta, Karthikappally, Ambalappuzha South, Punnapra South, Thakazhi, and Purakkad. Infected chickens were found in Nedumudi, while ducks were affected in the other areas.

In Kottayam, the disease has been detected in villages such as Kuruppanthara, Manjoor, Kallupurakkal, and Velur, where quails and chickens have shown signs of infection.

Minister Rani mentioned that the State Animal Husbandry Department is currently evaluating the severity of the outbreak, and as of now, there are no restrictions on poultry product consumption.

She noted that if further analysis indicates a need, measures such as culling infected birds and imposing consumption restrictions may be implemented.

The outbreak could impact poultry farmers, especially as sales typically increase during the Christmas and New Year period. Compensation is usually provided to affected farmers, although there can be challenges with fund allocation from the central government, requiring the state to utilize its own resources.

Expert teams are actively working on the ground to manage the situation. Minister Rani emphasized that avian flu is likely spread by migratory birds, recalling a similar outbreak in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta last year.