'Poultry farming will have to be banned in Alappuzha till 2025'

NEW DELHI: Minister J Chinchu Rani said that the government is planning to ban poultry farming in the Alappuzha district till 2025 in the context of the widespread spread of bird flu in the district.

"A temporary ban will have to be brought in till 2025. We have talked to the farmers and MLAs of Alappuzha and conveyed the matter. Restrictions will have to be put in place until the strength of the virus subsides. 32 spots in the district are very crucial," the minister said.

"At present, there is a widespread outbreak of bird flu in Kerala. Bird flu was confirmed in Alappuzha, Kuttanad and Pathanamthitta. Every year, the disease occurs when migratory birds arrive. There is a difference between the virus causing the disease this year and the virus that caused it in previous years. The virus also affected flying birds," she added.

Chinchu Rani said that Kerala has informed the Centre about setting up a new laboratory in Palode to confirm bird flu and that the Centre has accepted the request.