Neraly 26,000 ducks have bene culled in Kerala's Alappuzha since the outbreak of bird flu.
Avian influenza or bird flu, which made an appearance in Kerala's Alappuzha last week, has now spread to neighbouring Kottayam.
Samples from Kottayam sent to the National Institute of High Security Bird Diseases, Bhopal have tested positive for H5N8 - a strain that is not considered dangerous for human beings.
Preventive measures had already been put in place in the district last week, with District Collector C A Latha ordering ducks from affected panchayats be isolated and not be transported outside.
Culling of the sick birds is expected to begin tomorrow after officials conducted a preliminary survey today.
Around 3,000 ducks have died over the last four days in three panchayats of Kottayam. In Alappuzha, around 26,000 ducks have been culled across five panchayats since the outbreak.
Farmers have been worried about the compensation, which is yet to be announced by the government. Ahead of Christmas, this is the season when ducks are bred the most.
The Left Front government in Kerala has assured farmers of compensation and is likely to announce it within the next two days.