KURNOOL: Following the confirmation of the first bird flu case in the district, the administration has declared Narsimha Reddy Nagar a red zone and implemented stringent control measures to prevent further spread of the virus. In response to the situation, officials from the Medical and Health, Animal Husbandry, and Kurnool Municipal Corporation departments conducted a thorough inspection of the affected area on Friday as part of enhanced surveillance efforts. Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Food Processing, TG Bharath, reassured residents, urging them not to panic, and discussed the situation with District Collector P Ranjith Basha, emphasizing the need for proper disposal of infected birds while ensuring full compliance with government protocols. Dr. G Srinivasulu, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, stated that special monitoring teams have been deployed in coordination with local health and municipal authorities, and the sale of chicken, meat, and eggs has been temporarily suspended in the affected area as a precautionary measure.

A public awareness campaign has been launched to educate residents on the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, reporting unusual bird deaths, and practicing good hygiene. Authorities have also issued warnings against consuming undercooked poultry and eggs to minimize the risk of transmission. A team of health experts has been stationed in Narsimha Reddy Nagar for continuous monitoring and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. The district administration remains dedicated to controlling the outbreak and safeguarding public health, working closely with various departments to address the situation and prevent its spread.

In a related development, authorities in Ambedkar Konaseema district have also enforced a complete ban on the sale of chicken following the detection of a bird flu outbreak. Municipal staff have taken immediate action by halting the sales of poultry across both wholesale and retail markets in the district. In Mummidivaram, officials took additional precautions by burying dead chickens and sealing off contaminated meat. Shop owners have been issued clear instructions to comply with the ban and are advised to remain vigilant until further notice. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to implementing measures that will ensure the safety and well-being of the public.