Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Jan 8: “Bird flu has not been found in any of the birds in the district so far. Therefore, there is no need for anybody to panic. But, I advise people to take care so that bird flu does not spread,” said deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha. He was speaking at the meeting of the district level bird flu watchdog committee held in the deputy commissioner’s office on Friday.

“People should take precautions as bird flu is reported in Kerala, Gujarat and other places. Officials from the department of animal husbandry and health should visit chicken farms and inspect the health of chicken,” he said.

"Bird flu is a viral infection, children and elderly people are most likely to become victims. Fever, cold, headache, body pain, throat pain, cough and breathing difficulties are often the symptoms of this disease. Chicken and eggs should be consumed only after properly boiling them. Social distancing, sanitization and wearing of masks are necessary to prevent its spread," he said.

"Officials from the department of animal husbandry should visit chicken farms every day, obtain samples from the birds and send it to the laboratory in Bengaluru for tests. Further action should be taken on the basis of the reports. Forest department officials should inform if birds die in forests. Awareness about bird flu should be conducted in all the gram panchayats," he said.

"People should not blindly believe the news circulated on social media. The birds are not being transported to the district from outside the state. Therefore, there is no problem if anyone wishes to consume it. The empty vehicles that return after carrying chicken to other states should be sanitized and the health of the driver and the staff should be examined. There is no restriction on the transportation of chicken within the state," he said.

"If birds or animals are found dead under suspicious circumstances, the district control room should be informed immediately on telephone no. 0820-2534024," he said.

DHO Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda, Dr Vasudev, animal husbandry department deputy director Dr Harish Tamankar and various department officials were present.