From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 26: A red alert over possible spread of avian influenza has been declared in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Mysore, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar bordering neighbouring Kerala State.

The red alert has been declared in the State’s districts bordering Kerala and the movement of vehicles is being strictly monitored owing to an outbreak of avian influenza in a few districts of Kerala.

This information was given by Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra, who is also in charge of Animal Husbandry in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he said a large number of ducks were found dead in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayamdistricts of Kerala following the spread of the disease.

A team of veterinarians had already been deputed in border districts to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the State.

Surveillance had been stepped up border village areas.

Byre Gowda, Director, Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary,Biologicals (IAH&VB), Bengaluru, has been appointed as the nodal officer to monitor the situation.

The minister chaired a meeting with department officials and veterinarians in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Surveillance had been stepped up in Mysore, Kodagu, Chamarajangar and Dakshina Kannada districts to prevent the spread of the disease, Jayachandra said.