Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 26: The Odisha government today issued a warning advising against the consumption of chicken for the next few days as a precautionary measure. This decision follows the culling of over 5,000 chickens in the Pipili area of Puri district after the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, or bird flu, was detected.
Director of Health Services Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra assured the public that there is no cause for panic. He stated, “Effective measures are being implemented, similar to previous protocols, and all districts have been alerted to take necessary precautions.”
Dr. Mohapatra explained that fever is the initial symptom of bird flu, and intensified surveillance is underway across the state. “We are isolating suspected cases and performing nasopharyngeal swab tests. We also have a sufficient stock of medicines,” he added.
A rapid response team has been deployed to the affected area, and containment measures are being enforced as per protocol to prevent further spread of the virus. Dr. Mohapatra emphasized the importance of immediate culling and proper disposal of infected poultry and warned against human contact with infected birds to minimize transmission risks. The Community Medicine Department is overseeing overall monitoring of the situation.
