Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of the outbreak of bird flu in several states, the Odisha government on Friday allayed the concerns of people by stating that the poultry products are safe for consumption.
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department in a statement confirmed that no bird flu case has been detected in the State.
The statement came in the backdrop of reports involving mass death of birds in several parts of Odisha including Khordha. Though the exact reason behind bird deaths are yet to be established, reports of avian influenza in other states have significantly raised suspicion in Odisha too.
However, the Animal Husbandry department's statement came as a much-needed relief for the poultry traders and chicken lovers as well.
The release stated, "There is no Bird Flu case detected in our State. Periodic surveillance measures are being taken up through collection and testing of samples like nasal swabs, cloacal swabs, blood samples of the birds."
As per the press note, around 12,158 samples have been tested during the current bird migratory season so far. However, all samples have been tested negative for Avian Influenza.
"Chicken meat, eggs and other poultry products produced in the State are safe to consume and there's no need for the public to panic," read the release.
The department requested the public to report any unnatural death of birds to the nearest Veterinary Doctor / Chief District Veterinary Officer or to the State control room in telephone numbers 0671 24I43I0 and WhatsApp number 7205598125. In addition, people can contact Dr Bibhu Ranjan Das (79782 06404), Dr Sagarika Behera (79781 05538) and Dr Madan Mohan Mahapatra (94373 13183) of Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, for any information regarding Avian Influenza.