Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, has expressed concern over the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in several places in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. He said the recurrence of bird flu outbreaks clearly exposed the failure of the government to put in place an effective prevention and control mechanism, despite repeated warnings and past experiences.
“The outbreak, coming just ahead of the Christmas–New Year season, has caused severe economic distress to poultry and duck farmers, especially in Kuttanad, where duck rearing is the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families. The lack of proactive surveillance, early detection systems, and adequate biosecurity support for traditional open duck farming has once again left farmers vulnerable to sudden losses,” Mr. Suresh said.
The Mavelikara MP criticised the government’s reactive approach of resorting to large-scale culling and a ban on the movement of poultry only after the disease had spread across multiple local bodies. He said such measures, while necessary, underlined the absence of long-term, scientific, and region-specific strategies to manage avian influenza in high-risk areas like Kuttanad.
The MP demanded that the government ensure fair and timely compensation to all affected farmers. “Compensation should reflect the actual market value of poultry and ducks, especially considering the heavy losses suffered during the peak festive season. Any delay or reduction in compensation would further compound the hardship faced by farmers,” he added.
Published – December 24, 2025 08:13 pm IST
