Andhra Pradesh Reports H5 Avian Influenza Following Poultry Deaths in Anantapur

Avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry in Siddarampuram village, Bukkarayasamudram mandal, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, after more than 2,000–2,500 chickens reportedly died.

Samples were sent for laboratory testing, with reporting indicating confirmation through the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal. Local animal-husbandry authorities have intensified surveillance following the confirmation.

The episode is significant for Andhra Pradesh’s poultry sector because disease-related mortality can rapidly translate into losses for small commercial and backyard producers, while control measures can affect poultry movement, egg and meat markets and local farmer confidence.

Reports put the immediate economic loss to affected poultry farmers at approximately ₹10 lakh, although the final economic impact will depend on the extent of the affected area and subsequent control measures.

Industry implications

The development reinforces the importance of:

• rapid laboratory confirmation;

• mortality surveillance;

• farm-level biosecurity;

• movement controls where required;

• safe carcass disposal;

• vaccination policy where applicable; and

• transparent communication with poultry producers.

For India’s animal-health industry, localized HPAI events remain commercially important because their impact extends beyond veterinary medicines into diagnostics, disinfection, biosecurity equipment, surveillance and poultry economics.

Industry signal

The Anantapur detection warrants close monitoring for additional epidemiological findings and any official control-zone or culling decisions.