No Human Cases of Bird Flu Detected in Odisha: Health Minister

Odisha's Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed that no individuals have contracted bird flu in the state, despite recent media reports. The government has taken comprehensive preventive measures, including testing, isolation, and the culling of 30,000 chickens. Compensation has been provided to affected farmers.

Odisha's Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed on Thursday that no individuals have been infected with bird flu in the state. His statement came after media reports suggested a person had contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in Odisha.

Speaking to reporters, Mahaling assured that no human transmission of the virus has been detected in Odisha. "The disease is completely under control; the government is on high alert and taking every preventive measure. We had submitted swab samples from the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks of Puri district to the regional medical research centre (RMRC) for testing, and all results came back negative," the minister stated.

As a precaution, one individual has been isolated. Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik reported that 30,000 chickens have been culled, with 21 rapid response teams handling the task, supported by another 10 teams for sanitization. Transportation of birds to and from the two affected blocks in Puri has been restricted. Compensation of Rs 20 per culled chicken, Rs 70 per bigger bird, and Rs 3 per egg has been provided, with Rs 10 lakh already disbursed to impacted poultry farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)