Bird flu in Kerala

The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal has confirmed the presence of avian flu (H5 N8) in ducks in five places in Kuttanad. The H5N8 virus is not known to infect humans. Sources said the district administration has set up 20 rapid response teams (RRT) to monitor the affected birds. Each RRT comprises two veterinary surgeons, two livestock inspectors, two labourers, two attenders, ward member, two revenue officials and two policemen. This team will cull the infected ducks within four days.