Despite the fact that there is no risk of bird flu contagion in consumption of poultry products, as long as it is properly prepared and cooked, a considerable dip in poultry business is being witnessed in Uttarakhand these days. Many poultry farm owners assert that due to panic created among the local residents of the State, the consumption of poultry products like eggs and chicken has been reduced even when there is not a single case of avian influenza in any of the district.
According to the president of Uttarakhand Poultry Association who owns a poultry farm in Haridwar Yashwant Rawat, “Within the last few days, the poultry farming industry observed around 40 percent to 50 percent dip in poultry business across the State due to panic caused by the bird flu cases found in some states.” He said that people should be aware that transmission of bird flu to humans is not possible if the products like chicken and egg are cooked properly. When people suddenly stop consuming poultry products, it hits badly to the farmers who earn their livelihood by selling poultry products. Many agencies who sell poultry products like frozen chicken among other products take advantage of such situations and buy poultry birds in cheaper rates from poor farmers and sell them in market after people start consuming the products again, said Rawat. The poultry farm owners said that same situation occurred last year when locals stopped consuming poultry products due to the scare of Covid-19 on the basis of some rumours due to which the farmers had to sell their poultry birds for Rs 20 to Rs 30 to many agencies. Chandramohan Saklani who owns a poultry farm in Dehradun district said that situation was worse four days back but since no cases of bird flu were found in the State so far, locals are gradually starting to consume eggs and chicken again.
Talking about the consumption of poultry products amid the bird flu outbreak, the chief veterinary officer (CVO) of Dehradun district, SB Pandey said that it is safe to consume poultry products like chicken and egg as long as they are properly prepared and cooked. According to him, the Indian cooking style does not leave any chances of virus survival. He said that any poultry product is considered safe to consume if it is cooked or heated up to 165 degree Fahrenheit while following proper hygienic practices. However, he suggested not eating roasted or half-cooked eggs and chicken amid the scare of the bird flu outbreak.
Saturday, 09 January 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
