Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Bird flu alert in Kerala's Iritty after crow deaths
In Kerala, India, officials found bird flu (H5N1) in some crows in a place called Iritty.
They are worried it might spread, so they are taking steps to keep people and other birds safe.
They are not killing any birds yet because only a few crows were sick.
If they find any dead birds, they will bury them carefully.
People who handle the dead birds will wear special clothes to stay safe.
The health department will also watch for any sick people in the area.
Authorities confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in crows in the Edakkanam area of Iritty, Kerala.
No cases have been reported among domestic birds, and no culling is required at this stage.
District Collector Arun K Vijayan issued an alert and directed authorities to step up precautionary measures.
The carcasses of birds, if found, will be buried with calcium carbonate by the municipal public health department following safety protocols.
The Health Department has been directed to monitor and report any cases of unexplained fever or respiratory infections among people in the area.
- Who
- Authorities in Kerala, including the District Collector Arun K Vijayan, District Medical Officer, and Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department
- What
- Confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza in crows and issuance of an alert for the region
- When
- January 18, 2024
- Where
- Edakkanam area of Iritty, Kerala
- Why
- To prevent the spread of the virus and monitor any potential cases of infection among humans
- Location
- Edakkanam area of Iritty, Kerala
- Disease
- H5N1 avian influenza
- Affected Species
- Crows
- Authorities Involved
- District Collector Arun K Vijayan, District Medical Officer, Joint Director of Local Self-Government Department
- Precautionary Measures
- Burial of bird carcasses with calcium carbonate, monitoring of unexplained fever or respiratory infections in humans
- Safety Protocols
- Use of gloves, masks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for disposal personnel
