Bird flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh: 6 districts affected – are you at risk? (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Andhra Pradesh has reported her first human ambush from the H5N1 Avian Influenza after a two -year -old girl from Palnadu district, which is tragic for the virus. According to health officials, the child allegedly signed a virus after his parents fed a piece of raw chicken. The Andhra Pradesh government officially declared a bird flu outbreak in six districts on April 4, 2025. Following the lab confirmation, the authorities nominated specific areas as “infected” and “under monitoring” areas, which under the prevention and control of infectious and infectious diseases in the Animal Act, 2009, in a bid to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Which districts are affected?
According to the government notification, bird flu has been confirmed in the following districts:
Eastern Godavari
Kurnool
Aluru
NTR
Kakinada
The sub -centers of the outbreak include Tanuku Mandal (West Godavari), Kanuru Agharam (Eastern Godavari), NR PETA (Kurnool), Badmudi and Anguturu (Eluru), Anmululinka and Velapuru in Diplanagar (NTR).
After confirmation from the National Institute of High-Department Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal, the state is classified within 0–1 km radius as a radius of 0–1 km as infected areas from each epicenter, and classified areas within 1–10 km radius as monitoring areas.
What are the restrictions being made?
To control the spread of viruses, the movement of poultry and poultry products from these areas from these areas has been strictly banned. The government has urged poultry farmers, transporters and local vendors to cooperate fully with animal husbandry officers and follow all bio -safety measures. Epidemates have long warned that bird flu outbreak may increase rapidly if strict control and hygiene are not managed with protocols. The initial identity of infected areas and proper isolation is important in preventing the virus from spreading to humans.
What is bird flu and how does it spread?
Bird flu is caused by the avian influenza virus, with the most common strains to affect the H5N1 and H5N8 poultry. While bird flu is mainly spread between birds, in rare cases, it can infect humans through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces, or secretions such as droplets and saliva.
Symptoms to look out for
Although human infection is rare, it is severe and requires immediate treatment. Common symptoms include:
cough
sore throat
Muscle pain
Breathing difficulty
Eye redness or conjunctivitis
In severe cases: pneumonia, multi-face failure, and even death
Who is at risk?
Some groups are more vulnerable to infection and should take additional precautionary measures:
Veterinary and Animal Handlers
People working in live bird markets
Children, elderly, and people with weak immune systems
How to be safe: Preventive measures
Health officials recommend the following safety practices to reduce the risk of infection:
Avoid exposure to living or dead birds, especially in affected areas.
Do not consume raw or undercurcated poultry or eggs. Cook all the meat well.
Use masks and gloves when poultry or cleaning bird cages are handled.
Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water.
Keep pets away from infected birds or chicken waste.
Immediately report the death of the bird suddenly to the local veterinary authorities.
Poultry farms or markets in affected areas unless they are required at all.
The Animal Husbandry Department in Andhra Pradesh is closely monitoring the status and is conducting monitoring to locate any new cases. Wherever necessary, infected hen and disinfection measures are being completed.
While outbreak is currently limited to six districts, public awareness and caution are important for spreading. If you live in or near the affected areas, follow government advice, practice good hygiene, and avoid unnecessary contact with birds.
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