Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Kerala

The Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department has confirmed that bird flu, also known as avian flu, has spread in some areas of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

The department found out about the cases about a week ago and sent samples to a central lab in Bhopal, which confirmed the outbreak.

The minister in charge said they are checking how bad the outbreak is.

So far, there are no restrictions on eating chicken or other poultry products, but if needed, they might have to kill some birds to stop the spread and limit the sale of poultry meat.

This could be a problem for farmers because usually, more poultry is sold during Christmas and New Year.

The minister also said that farmers usually get money to make up for their losses, but sometimes the state has to pay if the central government doesn't provide funds.

Experts are already working in the affected areas.

The department thinks the flu spreads through birds that migrate to different places.

Last year, there were similar outbreaks in the same districts.