Poultry Sector in Chittoor District Gripped by Disease Outbreak and Bird Flu Fears
Visakhapatnam: A significant poultry health crisis has emerged in the villages of Ammagaripalle, Kambamvaripalle, and Puttavaripalle within Sodam mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Reports confirm that nearly 4,000 country chickens have died across multiple poultry farms, sending shockwaves through the local and regional poultry industry. This alarming mortality rate has sparked intense anxiety among farmers and stakeholders, who are now bracing for potential economic repercussions.
Laboratory Confirmation of Diseases Amid Bird Flu Rumors
Although the deaths have been limited to country chickens so far, widespread rumors of bird flu have unsettled owners of broiler and layer farms, raising fears of a broader economic fallout. Laboratory tests conducted in Vijayawada have provided crucial insights, confirming the presence of coryza and Ranikhet diseases in the collected samples. District animal husbandry officer D Uma Maheswari clarified the situation, stating that some samples tested positive for Ranikhet disease, while others confirmed coryza, which is locally known as Kokkera disease.
Maheswari emphasized that samples have been sent to Bhopal for further confirmation and urged farmers not to panic, though she acknowledged that their concerns are valid given the potential for significant financial losses. This cautious approach aims to balance public reassurance with the seriousness of the outbreak.
Understanding the Severity of Poultry Diseases
Experts have provided detailed explanations of the diseases involved, highlighting their varying levels of severity. Coryza is a bacterial infection that typically results in low mortality rates, making it less devastating in comparison to viral threats. In contrast, Ranikhet disease, also known as Newcastle disease, is viral and can cause mortality rates up to 100%, depending on the specific strain involved.
The gravest threat, however, remains bird flu, or avian influenza, which experts describe as the most severe poultry disease. Bird flu often kills 80–100% of infected birds within just a few days, leading to catastrophic losses for farmers and the industry at large. This context heightens concerns, as Andhra Pradesh has already recorded several bird flu outbreaks in 2025, affecting over 5.4 lakh birds and leaving an additional 6.02 lakh birds susceptible across districts including West Godavari, East Godavari, Krishna, and Kurnool.
Broader Implications for Andhra Pradesh's Poultry Industry
The current outbreak in Chittoor district adds to the existing challenges faced by Andhra Pradesh's poultry sector, which is a significant contributor to the state's agricultural economy. The combination of confirmed diseases and the looming threat of bird flu has created a precarious situation, with farmers on high alert for any signs of further spread. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, implementing disease control measures, and providing guidance to mitigate risks.
As the poultry industry navigates this crisis, the focus remains on preventing escalation, ensuring accurate information dissemination, and supporting affected farmers through potential economic hardships. The outcome of the Bhopal tests will be critical in shaping future responses and containment strategies.
