The Animal Husbandry Department confirmed a bird flu outbreak at Ammagaripalli and Puttavaripalli villages in Sodam mandal, Annamayya district. This was confirmed by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, and officially notified by the Government of India on February 8, 2026. Rapid Response Teams were sent to these villages immediately. Culling of affected birds started following strict Standard Operating Procedures. Officials said, “The operations are being supervised by the respective District Collectors and are being carried out in coordination with the Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Medical and Health departments.” Nearby areas have increased surveillance to stop further spread. Veterinary teams also checked sudden poultry deaths in Karvetinagaram mandal, Chittoor district. Samples from there were also sent to NIHSAD. The department advised farmers to follow strict bio-security measures and report any unusual bird deaths quickly. Officials assured the public, “There is no need to panic,” stating avian influenza mainly affects birds. They also confirmed that eating properly cooked poultry meat and eggs is safe. Strict containment, movement control, and disinfection efforts continue to protect the area and control the virus spread. “Adequate preventive and control measures are firmly in place,” the department said.