Wanaparthy, Telangana – A wave of concern has swept through the poultry farming community in Telangana after the sudden and unexplained deaths of approximately 2,500 chickens over a three-day period. The outbreak, centered in Konnur, Madanapuram mandal of the Wanaparthy district, has triggered an urgent investigation by local veterinary and animal husbandry officials.
The rapid spread of the unidentified disease has raised fears of a potential epidemic, prompting authorities to take immediate action to contain the situation.
Timeline of the Outbreak
According to K. Venkateshwar, the District Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer of Wanaparthy, the alarming series of deaths began on February 16th. The timeline of the chicken deaths are as follows:
- February 16th: 117 chickens perished.
- February 17th: The death toll rose sharply to 300.
- February 18th: The remaining fatalities occurred, leading to the total loss of approximately 2,500 birds.
- February 19th: Officials collected samples for lab testing.
The epicenter of the outbreak is the Premium Poultry Farm, a facility with a capacity of 5,500 birds, owned by Shivakehavulu. The swiftness of the disease’s progression has left farmers and officials alike searching for answers.
Immediate Response and Investigation
In response to the crisis, officials from the District Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department conducted a thorough inspection of the affected farm. Samples were collected and dispatched to a laboratory for analysis to determine the precise cause of the deaths.
“We inspected the spot after 2,500 chickens died. We have taken samples that have been sent to the lab for testing,” stated K. Venkateshwar. “We will reach a conclusion only after receiving the report from the laboratory. In the meantime, we are taking all precautions to check its 1 spread.”
The primary concern is to identify the pathogen responsible for the outbreak and prevent its further dissemination. While the possibility of avian influenza (bird flu) is being considered, officials have emphasized that the cause remains undetermined pending laboratory results.
Precautionary Measures and Regional Context
The outbreak in Telangana comes on the heels of a significant bird flu outbreak in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, where extensive culling operations were conducted to control the spread of the virus. This regional context has heightened anxieties and prompted Telangana authorities to implement stringent precautionary measures.
Following the outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana had already taken the precaution of stopping the import of Chickens from that state. This highlights the concern of the spread of disease between the two states.
Farmers in the Wanaparthy district and surrounding areas have been urged to maintain heightened vigilance and report any unusual symptoms or poultry deaths immediately. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, conducting surveillance in the affected farm and other poultry farms in the region.
Impact on the Poultry Industry
The poultry industry in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is facing significant challenges due to these outbreaks. The economic impact of such events can be substantial, affecting farmers, distributors, and consumers.
The fear of disease can also lead to a decrease in consumer confidence, impacting the demand for poultry products.
Looking Ahead
The coming days will be crucial in determining the cause of the chicken deaths and the extent of the outbreak. The laboratory results will provide essential information for developing effective containment and prevention strategies.
Authorities have reassured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to address the situation and protect the poultry industry. Continued monitoring, swift action, and collaboration between officials and farmers will be essential to mitigating the impact of this mysterious disease.
