In a proactive move to shield its poultry industry from the recent bird flu outbreak in Kerala, the Namakkal district administration has launched an intensive surveillance drive. The initiative involves surprise inspections of poultry farms across the district to enforce strict biosecurity protocols.
Surprise Checks Led by District Collector
District Collector S. Durga Murthy personally spearheaded a key inspection on Saturday. She was accompanied by Dr. Palanivel, the Zonal Director of the Animal Husbandry Department. The team conducted a surprise visit to poultry farms located in the Parali panchayat under Mohanur taluk.
During the inspection, Collector Murthy interacted with farmers and officials, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance. She instructed poultry owners to maintain impeccable cleanliness and ensure regular disinfection of their farms. The directives align strictly with the guidelines issued by the Animal Husbandry Department to prevent any potential transmission of the avian influenza virus.
Large-Scale Operation Across the District
This recent high-profile inspection is part of a broader, sustained campaign that has been ongoing for the past ten days. The Animal Husbandry Department in Namakkal has mobilized a significant force to cover the vast poultry landscape of the district, which is a major hub for egg production.
An official source revealed that 45 dedicated teams have been formed exclusively for this purpose. The scale of the operation is substantial, with these teams having successfully inspected more than a thousand poultry farms to date. The focus areas include several locations, with Mohanur being a key point of action.
Preventive Measures and Farmer Advisory
The core objective of the drive is preventive, aiming to create a robust barrier against the spread of bird flu from the neighboring state of Kerala, where the outbreak has reportedly led to significant chicken casualties. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to protect the local poultry economy and ensure food safety.
Farmers have been strongly advised to adhere to the following key measures:
- Maintain strict farm hygiene and sanitation standards.
- Use approved disinfectants regularly on the premises.
- Report any unusual sickness or deaths among birds immediately to the authorities.
- Restrict unauthorized entry into farm areas to minimize contamination risks.
The administration has signaled that these surprise inspections will continue as part of the heightened surveillance regime until the threat subsides.
