Bird-flu in Odisha: Bhubaneswar civic body on high alert 

Amidst the rising cases of bird flu in Odisha, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sprung into action and issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against those who procure poultry from infected areas and sell it in the state’s capital. 

According to sources, the BMC has instructed restaurants, hotels, chicken centres, and other setups that sell chicken for consumption purposes to monitor the places from where they are procuring chickens. The BMC has also instructed to inform the veterinary department if the chickens show signs of bird flu. Moreover, strict actions will be taken against vehicles carrying chickens from infected areas, informed sources.

“In view of the bird flu situation and keeping the safety of the citizens in mind, we have instructed all establishments like restaurants, and poultry centres to check the origin of the chicken. People who are in this business have also been instructed to report us and the veterinary department in case the chickens are showing symptoms of bird flu. We have our squads on alert and they are carrying out inspections as well. We want all stakeholders to be aware of this situation and take preventive measures. We are keeping a close eye on the situation from our Command & Control Centres where we are checking vehicles in case they are transporting poultry illegally from bird-flu-hit areas,” said Rajesh Pravakar Patil, BMC Commissioner.