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A heron in Kannur's Ayyikara harbour area has tested positive for avian influenza, according to C.P. Dhananjayan, Chief Veterinary Officer. The bird was found infected after several herons were found dead in the area, and samples were collected and tested at the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.
The infected bird is a migratory bird, and authorities have not imposed restrictions but have issued advisories to people engaged in poultry farming and trade to immediately inform the Animal Husbandry department if unusual deaths are noticed among chickens or other birds.
Poultry owners have been advised to prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds and avoid unnecessary visits to areas frequented by migratory birds. Authorities said surveillance would be intensified at poultry farms in the affected region.
The administration has urged people not to spread rumours and to strictly follow directions issued by the Health and Animal Husbandry departments. The Forest and Wildlife department will also be informed if further interventions seem necessary. The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.