Culling of birds begins in Kerala as avian influenza spreads

Culling of poultry in Kuttanad region in Kerala, where avian influenza was detected in ducks, began on Wednesday as more regions in the Central Kerala reported massive death of ducks.

As duck farmers protested against culling their birds, the state government increased the compensation to Rs 200 per adult duck and Rs 100 per duckling. A rough estimate of the Animal Husbandry showed that 2.80 lakh birds including chickens have to be culled.

Although avian influenza was confirmed in lab tests, the Animal Husbandry department is yet get reports whether the virus would affect humans. The government has banned sale of poultry in Kuttanad region.