Virus kills over 1 lakh poultry fowls in erstwhile WG district

It is being said poor maintenance conditions and non-administration of vaccines to the poultry have led to the deaths. Poultry farmers said the birds perished within a few minutes of laying eggs. Other poultry too have started dying, as the virus is spreading quickly, causing a huge loss to poultry farmers.

On receiving information, Animal Husbandry department director T. Damodar Naidu visited the district two days ago along with a team that took samples of birds, which have been sent to laboratories. If needed, the samples will also be sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute.

Confirming the perishing of poultry, Damodar Naidu told Deccan Chronicle that if the reports reveal infectious diseases, such poultry farms may be shut down. He revealed that some of the country roosters have also died. The department has taken steps to administer vaccines to the remaining roosters. He asked poultry farmers to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic.

Eluru district in-charge joint director Dr. T. Govinda Raju told DC that the department had received a report that nearly 30,000 birds had died at a poultry farm in Unguturu mandal during the past three weeks. He said veterinary officers immediately visited the farm and buried the carcasses of the birds taking biosecurity measures. The farmers have been directed to stop collecting eggs of the affected birds.

Sources said many poultry farmers do not inform the Animal Husbandry department when their birds start dying of the virus initially. They approach the department when too many fowls start dying and they have to pay instalments to banks on loans taken.