Avian influenza or bird flu has been detected Kerala's Alapuzha district last week. Thousands of ducks have reportedly died since the recent outbreak of bird flu in Kerala has been reported. Considering the outbreak of this H5N8 virus, the health department offcials in the district of Coimbatore has tightened the vigil to prevent and control the disease spread here.
All goods laden lorries from neighbouring Kerala are sprayed with disinfectants to prevent the spread of bird flu virus. Additionally a dozen check posts have been set up in Coimbatore and Pollachi. These check points will work 24/7 to they monitor the goods that are transported from the neighbouring state. Coimbatore has five such check posts centres while Pollachi has seven such centres.
In a bid to control the virus from spreading in our region, all lorries transporting poultry and its by products originating from Kerala are not allowed to enter the borders of Tamil Nadu. Instead, they are sent back to their source.
Back home in Coimbatore, poultry farmers and owners have been instructed to closely monitor their birds. In case they come across any signs or symptoms of bird flu the same must be reported to the officials of the veterinary care centres. However, the officials at the health care department and veterinary centres have affirmed that they are well-prepared and stocked with all required medications. A special team is been deployed to combat the outbreak of bird flu (if it occurs).