Amid rising concerns over avian influenza in Andhra Pradesh, a misleading video fuels panic. Authorities clarify facts.
The Viral Claim
A disturbing video showing a hen emitting flames from its mouth has gone viral on social media, with users claiming it depicts a bird flu-infected chicken from Andhra Pradesh. The clip, accompanied by captions like “New Virus Bird Flu,” has sparked fear among poultry consumers, leading to calls to avoid chicken consumption.
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Fact-Check Findings
1. Origin of the Video
The video is not recent and unrelated to the current bird flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh. Investigations reveal it dates back to December 2024 and originated from Hadige village in Karnataka. According to reports, a dozen hens died mysteriously, and one emitted fire when pressure was applied to its stomach. No credible evidence links this incident to avian influenza.
2. Scientific Perspective
Experts confirm there is no scientific basis for fire emission in birds infected with avian flu. Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu include swelling around the head, purple discoloration of wattles, lethargy, and sudden death—not combustion.
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Understanding Bird Flu Symptoms
The Andhra Pradesh government has highlighted key symptoms to help the public identify infected birds:
- Swelling around the head and neck.
- Purple discoloration of legs and wattles.
- Respiratory distress, nasal discharge, and watery diarrhea.
- Sudden death without prior clinical signs.
Current Bird Flu Situation in Andhra Pradesh
1. Outbreak Zones
Over 7,000 poultry birds and eggs have been culled since January 2025. Affected districts include West Godavari, East Godavari, Krishna, and NTR, with containment zones and movement restrictions enforced.
2. Government Measures
- Biosecurity zones declared within 1 km of infected areas.
- Surveillance teams deployed to monitor poultry transport.
- Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) tasked with culling and disinfection.
3. Economic Impact
The poultry industry faces severe losses, with chicken prices plummeting from ₹250 to ₹30–50 per kg in affected regions.
Public Safety Guidelines
1. Consumption Advice
- Cooked chicken and eggs from non-infected areas are safe.
- Avoid raw poultry products from containment zones.
2. Preventive Measures
- Report unusual bird deaths to local authorities.
- Use protective gear (masks, gloves) when handling poultry.
Conclusion
While Andhra Pradesh battles a genuine bird flu crisis, the viral fire-spitting hen video is a misleading distraction. Authorities urge the public to rely on verified information and adhere to safety protocols. For updates, follow advisories from the Animal Husbandry Department and trusted news sources.
