Odisha asks people to remain vigilant as 11000 samples test negative for bird flu
The veterinary department said so far around 11,000 samples of migratory birds in several waterbodies including Chilika Lake have been tested, but all the samples have been detected negative for the disease.
Even as 11,000 samples of migratory birds tested by the laboratories in the state were found negative for bird flu, the Odisha government continued to remain cautious asking people to report any unnatural death of birds to the nearest veterinary doctor or chief district veterinary officer.
The veterinary department said so far around 11,000 samples of migratory birds in several waterbodies including Chilika Lake have been tested, but all the samples have been detected negative for the disease. On Thursday, around 300 samples including a few birds from a poultry farm of Khurda also tested negative.
“In Govindpur village of Badaberana Gram Panchayat in Begunia block of Khurda district, around 120 poultry birds have been reported dead. Five samples from the farm tested negative for the virus based on the Avian Influenza virus antigen test. The rest of the dead birds were buried in deep burial method with proper disinfection measures. The Special Supervisory Team and Rapid Response Teams have sanitized the farm premises with proper application of disinfectants,” said a veterinary department official.
Officials said people need not panic and can consume chicken meat, eggs and other poultry products with proper cooking.
Nine Special Supervisory Teams have been constituted at the state level to immediately proceed to any suspected location of bird flu in the state. All CDVOs have been directed to constitute 10 to 15 Rapid Response Teams (RRT) at the district level for prompt response to any reports of suspected cases of bird flu.
