NEW DELHI: A mysterious disease has struck poultry farms in Konnur, Madanapuram mandal of Telangana‘s Wanaparthy district, resulting in the sudden deaths of around 2,500 chickens within a span of just three days.
The alarming situation has raised concerns among poultry farmers and local authorities, prompting an urgent investigation to determine the cause of the outbreak and sudden fatalities.
According to K. Venkateshwar, district veterinary and animal husbandry officer, the mass deaths were reported at Premium Farm, an integrated poultry system with a capacity of 5,500 birds, owned by Shivakehavulu.
The poultry deaths were reported over a span of three consecutive days, with 117 chickens succumbing on February 16, followed by a significant spike in fatalities on February 17 and the remaining on February 18.
The situation worsened on February 18, when the remaining affected chickens died, prompting farm authorities to escalate the matter to veterinary officials.
After being alerted about the alarming poultry deaths, veterinary officials promptly visited the farm to conduct a thorough on-site inspection. They carefully examined the affected birds and the farm environment to assess possible causes of the outbreak. As part of their investigation, samples were collected from the deceased chickens and other possible sources of contamination. These samples were then sent to a specialized laboratory for testing , where experts will analyze them to identify the exact nature of the disease.
“Around 2,500 chickens have died, and we inspected the spot, taking samples that have been sent to the lab for testing. The deaths occurred over three days: 117 on the 16th, 300 on the 17th, and the remaining on the 18th, after which we were informed and sent the samples to the lab on the 19th. These chickens died at the Premium Form, an integrated system with a capacity of 5,500, owned by Shivakehavulu,” said district veterinary and animal husbandry official.
Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory test results to identify the cause of the outbreak.
In the meantime, officials have advised poultry farm owners to stay alert and strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of further spread.