Poultry farmers affected by bird flu to get compensation: Odisha Minister

All the poultry farmers affected by bird flu in Odisha will get compensation, informed Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Wednesday.

The Minister said that the department is planning to provide compensation of Rs 20 for one small chicken and Rs 70 for bigger ones.

As many as two blocks in Puri - Pipili and Sakhigopal have witnessed outbreak of bird flu. Samples from both the blocks were sent to Bhopal for testing and the reports have come as positive.

Around 30,000 chickens have been culled amid the bird flu scare in the State. Sanitisation and other activities are reportedly being undertaken in the areas witnessing the outbreak of bird flu.

The concerned department has also been directed to take necessary precautionary activities to check the spread of bird flu. 
Moreover, prohibitory orders have been made for the transportation of chickens in the areas that have witnessed outbreak of bird flu. 

It has also been advised that people in the areas affected by bird flu should refrain from consuming chicken. The owners of the poultry firms and the staff working there have been asked not to sell chickens. They have been advised to bury their poultry after culling them.