<span style="color: #222222;">In Kerala, a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has been confirmed in two panchayats in Kottayam district. Tests conducted at the National Insitute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal has confirmed the presence of the virus in Aarppookara and Thalayazham panchayats in the district.<br />''<br />''The Animal Husbandry Department will begin today the culling of about 8000 domestic birds in a one km radius of the areas where the disease has been confirmed.<br />''<br />''The authorities have imposed a  blanket ban on the movement of poultry in the 10 km radius of the affected areas.</span><br />