The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases at Bhopal has confirmed that the continuing death of ducks in the backwaters region of Kuttanad in Kerala is because of the avian influenza.

Thousands of ducks died in two panchayat areas of the Kuttanad region in the past couple of weeks, triggering suspicion that it could be because of bird flu and samples were sent for testing. The NIHSAD has now confirmed the suspicion.

Alert in 3 districts

The news has caused alarm in the region and is posing a threat to tourism as the peak tourist season has just begun. The State government has put three districts – Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta – on alert.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has called a meeting of top officials to decide on emergency measures to prevent the possible spread of the disease. Health Minister VS Sivakumar said the government was taking steps to fight the flu and medicines were being rushed to the affected areas.

Tourist spot

The low-lying Kuttanad region in the districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam are known for its vast wetlands which are ideal for duck farming. Duck meat has traditionally been a delicacy in the region.

Duck eggs are also very popular. Kuttanad receives large numbers of tourist footfalls each year and the duck meat is a favourite with many tourists. One of the enduring pictures of Kuttanad is vast fields covered with water and thousands of ducks feeding in them.

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