THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bird flu has been confirmed in the state again. The virus H5N8 was confirmed at Kuttanad in Alappuzha and Neendoor in Kottayam. The virus was confirmed after the samples were sent to the lab in Bhopal following the death of ducks.

Minister K Raju informed that five of the eight samples sent were confirmed of the virus. Experts said the virus has not yet been transmitted to humans, although it could be transmitted to humans through mutations. Following the confirmation of the disease, further steps will be taken as per centre’s directive. Precautions have been taken to prevent it from spreading to other parts.

In Alappuzha and Kottayam where the disease has been confirmed, strict instructions have been issued under the leadership of collectors. Control rooms were opened in two districts. Deployed rapid reaction forces. A decision was taken to kill all the birds within a radius of one kilometer where the disease was confirmed. About 48,000 birds will have to be killed. Bird flu was confirmed in Kozhikode and Malappuram last year. The spread of the disease was prevented by destroying the birds in the area.