‘No scientific report of bird flu transmission to Humans’

Thousands of birds have died across several States triggering a nationwide Bird Flu outbreak. (PTI Photo)

Thousands of birds have died across several States triggering a nationwide Bird Flu outbreak. (PTI Photo)

Centre asks States not to curb poultry sales

New Delhi, January 11 (PTI): With bird flu being confirmed in 10 states so far, the Centre on Monday urged state governments, including Delhi, not to shut poultry markets and restrict sales based on "public perception", asserting that there are no scientific reports of transmission of bird flu to humans.

Currently, bird flu or avian influenza has been confirmed in 10 states -- Delhi, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.

Culling operations are on, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh told reporters.

A preventive vaccine for bird flu is available in the country, he added.

According to the ministry, the sale of poultry products has so far been restricted in five states -- Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

"An unnecessary panic has been created across the country which is not only affecting the poultry farmers but also consumers," Singh said.

There is no need to panic about bird flu as the viral infection spreads mostly in birds and there is no scientific report to confirm its human transmission so far, he added.

Expressing concern over the Delhi government closing the Ghazipur poultry market, the minister said: "If there is any technical or scientific reason, then only such decision should have been taken. This is affecting not only poultry farmers but also maize growers."

The Ghazipur poultry market, located on the border of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, is Asia's largest chicken market and a hub for exports.

Singh said a letter has been written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging him to reconsider his decision.

He added that similar letters would be sent to other states urging them to take a call on curbs based on "scientific evidence" and not on "public perception".