Bird Flu Update And What WHO Is Saying About It

Unusual poultry deaths have been reported in states of Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Indian government has has warned about the outbreak of bird flu or Avian influenza as H5N1 virus was found in samples from dead birds.

According to the Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, Avian influenza has been confirmed by the National Institute of Security Animal Diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes it as a “highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds”.

The concern about whether or not it is safe to consume chicken and eggs has lead to a major drop in poultry prices in some regions.

As reported by ANI, chicken sales in Lucknow have taken a hit. "Since January 3, from when the flu was officially declared as detected, the sales have dropped by say around 30%. The prices have also fallen".

Lucknow: Chicken sales taking a hit since the outbreak of bird flu

"Since January 3, from when the flu was officially declared as detected, the sales have dropped by say around 30%. The prices have also fallen," says a chicken trader pic.twitter.com/eeJOTV9KfV

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 7, 2021

In Bengaluru, however, the poultry business remains unaffected despite the bird flu scare.

Two confirmed cases of bird flu were found in Indore & Neemuch. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan ordered that all shops & chicken markets in the radius of 1 km from the highlighted spots be closed for 7 days. Surveillance will be done in a radius of 10 km.

Bird flu confirmed in 2 cases in Indore & Neemuch, samples were collected from shops. I have given directions that all shops & chicken markets in the radius of 1 km from the highlighted spots be closed for 7 days. Also ordered that surveillance be done in a radius of 10 km: MP CM https://t.co/R2M6DYPbh2 pic.twitter.com/j15ECeIgjM

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

According to Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dr K Sudhakar, samples of the six crows died in Dakshina Kannada district have been sent for testing. Necessary precautions are also being taken. Testing is also being done in J&K.

J&K: Testing of birds for avian flu, going on in the Manda Deer Park, Jammu

"We're taking random samples & will send it to our testing lab in Jalandhar. We've advised poultry farmers to take care of sanitisation & to not touch birds bare-handed," says a veterinarian at the park pic.twitter.com/VqS6KoiXoQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

Six crows died in Dakshina Kannada district, samples sent for testing. Precautionary measures have been taken in border districts to prevent Bird Flu: Dr K Sudhakar, Karnataka Health Minister

(File photo) pic.twitter.com/FSkTlF6bmc

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2021

WHO’s Statement

WHO says that it is safe to eat poultry products as long as they are properly prepared and cooked. As a standard precaution, it recommends that these products should always be prepared following good hygienic practices. Poultry meat should be cooked properly.

Also Read: Here’s What You Need To Know About The Bird Flu Outbreak In India

The cases of infection in humans are due to home slaughter and subsequent handling of diseased or dead birds, prior to cooking. According to WHO, these practices should be avoided as they represent the highest risk of human infection.