Jamshedpur: Bird flu alert sounded, sample tests to be conducted

Jamshedpur, March 10: The suspected bird flu cases at Ranchi and Bokaro have led to an alert in the Kolhan region. The authorities of three districts of Kolhan-West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan have issued directives to the animal husbandry department to keep vigil.

The directive asked to enforce check on crossing over of poultry products in those areas who share borders with Ranchi till the avian influenza virus threat persists in the state.

 “As per the plans 450 chickens will be sent to Bhopal for sample testing.  The BDO has been asked to report on a daily basis,” said an official.

The poultry farms in neighbouring states from where loads of chicken are imported in to the city have now come under the scanner of the district administration with the health department personnel being asked to ensure adequate supply of  anti-bird flu vaccines to the poultry farms based in the twin blocks, particularly in Rajnagar, Ghatshila and Baharagora.

 According to information, the demand for poultry products in the city has reportedly fallen 10 per cent to 15 percent. As per the trend, the sale of poultry products is always high during the winter season however, but the fear factor has forced the people to shun the consumption.

 A wholesale dealer of poultry products in the city said there has been a 30 per cent decline in the sale of chicken. “For the past two days, people are instead opting for fish and mutton, and the sale of these products has doubled,” he added. He, however, said the decline in the sale of poultry products was around 20 per cent.

 With reports of bird flu reportedly spreading to more areas in neighbouring states, the poultry industry in the city has gone for a tailspin as demand for supply of eggs and chicken dropped. Steps would also be taken to check hygiene, sanitation and norms for display and storage of mutton and poultry products in the city.

A majority of the meat shops are found to be lacking in hygiene inside the shops, personal hygiene and medical fitness of staff, disposal of waste water and steps to control flies.

The department will issue a show-cause notice to the meat shop owners under the Food Safety and Standard Rules and on the basis of the response, further action will be taken as per the law against the offenders.