Andhra Pradesh Enforces Chicken Transport Ban Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh government has imposed a ban on the transport of chickens from districts affected by bird flu, following the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. This decision aims to contain the situation as officials implement bio-security measures and monitor the affected regions closely.
Key Takeaways
- Transport ban on chickens from infected districts.
- Implementation of bio-security measures at poultry farms.
- Increased surveillance and monitoring in affected zones.
- Neighboring Telangana has banned imports and set up checkposts.
- Chicken prices in Hyderabad have decreased significantly.
Amaravati, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Andhra Pradesh, K. Atchannaidu, has mandated a prohibition on the transport of chickens from districts impacted by bird flu until the situation stabilizes.
The minister assessed the circumstances caused by the fatalities among chickens due to the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Godavari and undivided Krishna districts on Wednesday.
A teleconference was conducted by the minister with senior officials from the Veterinary Department across East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, and Krishna districts.
Bio-security protocols have been established at poultry farms located in the affected regions. Officials have been instructed to prevent the movement of transport vehicles in proximity to the impacted poultry.
The minister urged veterinary doctors to remain available in their respective localities to provide necessary services.
Atchannaidu ordered district officials to gather samples from deceased chickens, forward them to laboratories, and maintain a state of readiness.
He emphasized the importance of comprehensive surveillance and monitoring the situation by establishing zones.
In light of the HPAI outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, the neighboring state of Telangana has issued an alert and forbidden the importation of chickens and eggs. Telangana officials are halting poultry transport vehicles arriving from Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities have erected 24 checkposts along the border with Andhra Pradesh to intercept vehicles transporting chickens and eggs.
The Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Department of Telangana has informed district Collectors about the reported cases of HPAI in other states. The Indian government has urged states to reinforce bio-security measures to curb the spread of HPAI and safeguard the poultry population.
Sabyasachi Ghosh, Special Chief Secretary to Government, has urged Collectors to raise awareness among poultry farmers, stakeholders, and the general public regarding HPAI prevention, the significance of bio-security measures, and the avoidance of transporting sick birds along with the proper disposal of carcasses. They should be prompted to report any unusual poultry deaths to the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department staff, as stated in a memo issued to Collectors.
Concurrently, reports of bird flu have resulted in a decrease in chicken prices across both Telugu states. The drop in demand and prices has severely impacted the poultry industry.
The price of chicken in Hyderabad has plummeted to Rs 90 per kg from Rs 130 just days prior. Traders are concerned that prices may further decline as many individuals have ceased consuming chicken and eggs due to rising panic.
