ALAPPUZHA: Forest Minister K Raju has said that bird flu reached Kerala through migratory birds. 23,857 birds had earlier contracted the disease and died. In Alappuzha district, 37,654 birds were killed and in Kottayam 7229 birds were killed. So far only ducks were culled. The minister said it has been decided to cull other domestic birds as well. The killing of the birds will end tomorrow morning.

The sale of poultry, meat and eggs was banned in areas where the disease was confirmed. The minister said the H5N8 virus, which causes bird flu, won't infect humans but vigil will have to be maintained for the next 10 days. The compensation announced for the affected farmers will be distributed soon. Other demands will be considered later.

"The central team is coming to check the disease situation. They come to study the possibility of disease transmission to humans. Bird flu would not affect poultry and duck sales in the state", minister Raju said.

The health department will continue to monitor the area within 10 km radius where the disease was confirmed.