Bhubaneswar: Dr Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Odisha Director of Health Services (DHS), has urged people not to panic over the outbreak of ‘bird flu’ in the Pipili area.
“Everyone is requested not to panic over bird flu cases. At the same time, people are advised not to consume infected chicken from the poultry in the region,” said Dr Mohapatra told reporters on Tuesday.
Dr Mohapatra’s statement comes in the wake of bird flu outbreak in Pipili town of Odisha’s Puri district. The H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in several poultry farms in Pipili, prompting authorities to take initiate containment measures.
“Farm owners will be compensated if they kill and bury the infected chickens,” Dr Mohapatra announced today. According to him, bird flu cases have been reported from two different places in Satyabadi in Puri. “The State Rapid Response Team and District Rapid Response Team are trying to contain the outbreak by culling infected chicken and ensure public safety,” he added.
He further said that pamphlets are being distributed in the area with a view to make the people aware of the infection. “We are identifying the people who are coming in contact with infected chickens and giving them antidotes,” Dr Mohapatra said.
“We have also directed the farm owners and workers not to sell infected chickens. In addition, we have asked them to kill and bury those infected birds and they will be compensated for the loss,” he added.
