Alappuzha: The presence of H5N1 subtype of the influenza A virus causing bird flu was confirmed in three panchayats of Kottayam district and two panchayats of Alappuzha district of Kerala forcing the authorities to cull thousands of ducks in the region.
The virus was detected in Vechoor, Kallara and Aymanam areas of Kottayam district and Nedumudy and Karuvatta areas of Alappuzha district, sources said on Wednesday.
The district administrations of both the districts have directed to cull all the domestic birds in a km radius of the locations where the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected.
About 80,000 birds will have to be culled in the regions to stop the spread of the virus, sources added.
The administration also announced a compensation of Rs 100 each for ducks below 60 days and Rs 200 each for ducks above 60 days. (UNI)