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Authorities in Telangana’s Wanaparthy district are on high alert after the sudden death of 2,500 chickens at a poultry farm in Konnur village, Madanapuram Mandal. Officials suspect a possible outbreak of bird flu and have initiated precautionary measures to contain any potential spread.
Investigation Underway
District veterinary and animal husbandry officer K. Venkateshwar confirmed the deaths and stated that samples from the affected Premium Poultry Farm have been collected for laboratory testing. “We cannot confirm bird flu until we receive the test results, but we are taking all necessary precautions,” he said.
The fatalities occurred in stages, with 117 chickens dying on February 16, 300 on February 17, and the remaining birds perishing on February 18. Local authorities swiftly launched an investigation and surveillance measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Farmers Advised to Stay Vigilant
Poultry farmers in the region have been urged to monitor their flocks and report any unusual symptoms or sudden deaths immediately. Officials are also monitoring other farms in the area to check for any signs of an outbreak.
The recent poultry deaths in Telangana come shortly after a confirmed bird flu outbreak in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, where over a lakh chickens were culled as a containment measure. Telangana authorities had already halted the import of chickens from Andhra Pradesh to mitigate the risk of the virus spreading.
Additional Reports of Chicken Deaths
Meanwhile, another poultry farmer from the same district, Sivakesava Reddy, reported the death of 4,000 chickens between February 18 and 19. He suspects bird flu as the cause and has criticized local veterinary authorities for not responding promptly. Reddy claims officials neither collected samples nor conducted tests, citing negligence in handling the crisis.
Officials, however, have denied any confirmation of bird flu in these cases and reiterated that only laboratory reports can determine the cause of deaths.
Poultry Industry Faces Setback
The suspected outbreak has significantly impacted the poultry industry in both Telugu states, causing concern among farmers and traders. Authorities have ramped up monitoring efforts and containment measures to prevent economic losses and ensure public health safety.
The district administration urges the public to stay informed and follow government advisories regarding poultry consumption and farm safety practices.
Disclaimer: The cause of the chicken deaths is still under investigation, and bird flu has not been officially confirmed. Authorities recommend waiting for test results before drawing conclusions. For official updates, follow government announcements.
