H5N1 has been reported in five local bodies in Kozhikode district, with culling operations set to follow, according to PTI and local media reports published on March 18 and 19. The affected areas were named as Panangad, Olavanna, Kakkodi and Perumanna panchayats, along with Nallalam under Kozhikode Corporation. PTI, as carried by ThePrint, said laboratory examination of samples from the affected areas confirmed the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The Times of India reported the same strain confirmation and the same list of affected local bodies. Both reports said rapid response teams will begin culling operations in the affected areas