Bhubaneswar: The fear of bird flu has subsided in the state, allowing residents to safely consume chicken and eggs once more. Authorities have confirmed that broiler chicken is now free from any traces of bird flu, and no further risks are associated with consuming chicken or eggs. The areas previously affected by the virus have been thoroughly sanitized, and any infected poultry has been culled to prevent the spread of infection. Dr. Neelakantha Mishra, the state's Director of Public Health, reassured the public that it is now completely safe to eat both chicken and eggs without fear of health risks.
Bird Flu-Free Zones
Earlier this year, parts of the state, including Puri and Kendrapara districts, witnessed isolated cases of bird flu. Immediate action was taken by the animal husbandry department, which culled the infected poultry and buried them to contain the spread. Thanks to these proactive measures, the state is now bird flu-free, with no active cases or signs of infection in broiler chickens. The Director of Public Health emphasized that thorough cooking of chicken and eggs at high temperatures ensures the elimination of any potential pathogens.
The Seasonal Nature of Bird Flu
Experts indicate that bird flu tends to surface during specific times of the year due to environmental factors. However, this year, all identified cases were swiftly managed. Dr. Mishra highlighted the importance of cooking poultry products properly, as high heat effectively neutralizes any potential contamination. He reassured the public that broiler chickens produced in the state are entirely safe for consumption, adding that there is no risk of contracting any illness from properly cooked chicken or eggs.
Economic Impact on the Poultry Industry
Despite the swift resolution, the bird flu scare led to a significant downturn in the poultry industry. For a brief period, chicken prices dropped drastically due to decreased consumer demand. In some markets, the price per kilogram of chicken plummeted from ₹200 to as low as ₹120 or ₹160. The fear surrounding bird flu prompted many customers to avoid purchasing chicken, leading to losses for poultry farmers and sellers. However, as the fear subsides, the market is slowly recovering.
According to a representative from the Poultry Traders Association, the return of consumer confidence is evident, with a gradual increase in chicken sales. The reassurance from public health authorities has helped restore trust among buyers, who are now returning to their regular consumption habits. Traders are hopeful that with the festive season around the corner, the demand for poultry products will soon return to normal levels, stabilizing prices and supporting local poultry businesses.
Public Health and Food Safety Guidelines
The state government has been diligent in ensuring that the public remains informed about food safety measures during the bird flu outbreak. Dr. Mishra encouraged consumers to continue practicing good hygiene, particularly when handling raw chicken. Washing hands thoroughly after touching raw poultry and cooking chicken and eggs at high temperatures remain the best defenses against any potential health risks. Public health advisories have stressed that undercooked or raw chicken should never be consumed, as this poses the only real risk of contamination.
With the situation now under control, the health department is monitoring the poultry industry to prevent any future outbreaks. Routine inspections and testing are being conducted to ensure that poultry farms adhere to strict biosecurity measures. This vigilance is essential to maintaining the bird flu-free status and preventing any recurrence of the virus in the state.
Looking Forward
The lifting of the bird flu scare has brought relief to both consumers and poultry farmers across the state. With the public health department's confirmation that chicken and eggs are safe to consume, residents can confidently include these protein-rich foods in their diets again. The recovery of the poultry market is expected to continue, and industry stakeholders are optimistic about a swift return to normalcy.
As the state moves forward, public health authorities remain committed to ensuring that stringent monitoring and biosecurity measures are in place to safeguard both the health of the public and the poultry industry. With the situation under control, Odisha can focus on promoting safe food practices and supporting local farmers as they rebuild their businesses.
In conclusion, the bird flu threat is now behind us, and there is no longer any reason to fear the consumption of chicken or eggs. With proper cooking methods and vigilance from health officials, Odisha's residents can continue to enjoy these staple foods without any concerns about bird flu.