On Monday, the Union Husbandry and Dairying Minister Giriraj Singh urged people not to believe in rumors about bird flu which is also known as avian influenza. The minister stated that there is no risk to humans if the animal or poultry products are cooked properly before consumption.
“There is a situation of panic in the country. It is important to not spread rumours about the bird flu. The cases of bird flu have been frequently reported in India since 2006. There’s no risk to humans if animal products are cooked properly before eating,” cited Singh.
Reportedly, a total of nine states including Maharashtra and Delhi have confirmed bird flu cases. Speaking on bird flu cases confirmed in the national capital, the Union Minister said he will be writing to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the closure of the Ghazipur poultry market for 10 days.
The minister said, “Delhi Chief Minister has closed the Ghazipur poultry market for 10 days. I have said this before and will say it again. All poultry products can be consumed after cooking property and they pose no harm to people. He (Kejriwal) should not close the market and take precautionary measures like other states.”
The states that have confirmed cases of bird flu are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi in the county.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Sunday said that the central teams are formed for monitoring the spread of bird flu are visiting the affected sites.
The price of broiler chicken in India has fallen by almost a third in a week with consumption dropping after an outbreak of bird flu was reported in almost nine states in the country.
