Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have raised concerns regarding the emergence of Avian Influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, particularly in Nellore district.

The Veterinary Department, after confirming the presence of the virus in poultry farms, noted a significant number of chicken deaths attributed to the flu. To curb its spread, poultry owners swiftly culled hundreds of birds.

In response to the outbreak, the State government has taken proactive measures, including the formation of specialized teams tasked with stringent actions to contain the disease.

A total of 721 rapid response teams have been deployed statewide, mandated to collect samples and educate poultry farmers about the threat posed by bird flu. These teams are conducting thorough surveys across villages with poultry farms.

Despite the severity of the situation in Nellore district, other areas have not reported any instances of bird flu, reassuring residents that there is no cause for panic, as stated by a veterinary doctor.

Nevertheless, the public's apprehension is evident, with a noticeable decline in chicken sales observed following the news of the outbreak.

Concerned individuals have refrained from consuming chicken, citing health risks associated with the disease.

To address environmental concerns, authorities have instructed poultry owners to refrain from disposing of dead birds in improper locations and to promptly inform relevant officials of any incidents.

Despite widespread testing, samples collected from various districts, including Krishna, East Godavari, NTR District, West Godavari, and Konaseema, have returned negative results, offering some relief to the affected communities.

However, the fear persists among residents like Prameela from Gudivada, who have opted to abstain from consuming chicken until the situation improves, reflecting the ongoing impact of the bird flu outbreak on daily life in the region.