COIMBATORE: Fears of avian flu have spread in the district following the death of 38 birds in a poultry farm near Annur due to an unknown fever.
Veterinarians have taken blood samples of the birds to test for the presence of the avian influenza virus.
The birds belong to Anbuselvam (36) of Kalipalayam, Kovilpalayam, near Annur. There are around 10 poultry farms in the village.
Anbuselvam has been rearing around 60 country birds, fighter cocks and ducks for five years. On Monday, he found that 10 of his country birds were affected by viral fever. The fever then spread to around 50 of his 60 birds. Till now, 38 birds of them have died. Subsequently, Anbuselvam informed the District Veterinary Hospital of the development.
Regional Veterinary Director (In-charge) Perumalswamy, along with a 7-member team, inspected the farm on Wednesday. They sprayed germicides to prevent the infection from spreading to other birds on the farm and in the locality.