Key Points

1. Avian influenza outbreak confirmed at Thottathara hatchery in Ayur, Kollam district.
2. The identified strain is H9N2, a low-intensity virus, not the highly virulent H5N1.
3. The outbreak was first detected on January 2, 2026, with the initial death of eight birds.
4. As of January 12, 2026, 1,283 birds have died out of a total population of 9,318 chickens at the farm.
5. The infection initially affected the Kaveri breed, transported from Hesaraghatta in Karnataka.
6. Surveillance will be intensified in Elamadu panchayat and 13 other locations, including areas bordering Thiruvananthapuram district.
7. Strict bio-security measures will be implemented at the State-run Kureepuzha turkey farm and Kuryottumala hi-tech farm.