The All India Poultry Breeders Association (AIPBA) has said that consumption of poultry products has not been affected so far even as several states have sounded an alert to contain the H5N8 virus strain of bird flu.

 The Centre has issued a bird flu alert in several states such as Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh in the wake of the sudden death of birds in large numbers.

Suresh Chitturi, vice-chairman, AIPBA and chairman of International Egg Commission, said that the consumption of poultry products has not been impacted so far. “We have to wait and watch and see how this is being projected. The association has approached the government to issue a clarification in this regard,” he said. He added, that there is just one laboratory in the country in Bhopal that conducts tests and that takes at least 15 days. There should be at least one laboratory per state, he said.

“Normally state governments have to compensate farmers for culling birds. But this does not happen. If the government offers compensation, farmers will remain alert and report cases to the government. India also does not vaccinate the birds unlike other nations,” Chitturi said.

Bird flu: Madhya Pradesh Bans Poultry Import from Southern states

Bird Flu Threat also In Odisha!

Maharashtra issues red alert, albeit no bird flu case reported yet