No Bird Flu Threat in Bengal, Poultry Traders Reassure Amid Scare

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 20, 2025, Kolkata :  As fears of a potential bird flu outbreak rise in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, the poultry industry in West Bengal is experiencing a significant drop in demand for chicken and eggs. Amid the panic, traders and experts are trying to allay fears, assuring that the situation in Bengal remains unaffected.

Reports from Andhra Pradesh indicate that a bird flu scare has led to a decline in chicken prices, with many traders in the region expressing concern over their livelihoods. In response to the outbreak, the state government of Andhra Pradesh has taken measures to import chicken and eggs from other states to maintain supply. The ripple effects of this scare are now being felt in nearby regions, with concerns about a similar impact in Bengal growing.

However, Ratan Poddar, the state joint secretary of the West Bengal Poultry Traders Association, sought to ease these concerns. Speaking from Barasat, Poddar reassured the people of Bengal that there is no bird flu in the state at present. He clarified that although the bird flu scare has affected several areas in Andhra Pradesh, it has not spread to West Bengal or its neighboring states, including Odisha, Assam, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.

Poddar attributed the illness among birds to seasonal changes, noting that just like humans, birds can fall ill during this time, a condition often referred to as bird flu. However, he emphasized that there is no need for panic, as medical science has confirmed that cooking poultry at 65 degrees Celsius eliminates any harmful germs, making it safe to consume. Poddar recommended boiling the meat thoroughly as a precautionary measure, urging the people of Bengal not to worry unnecessarily.

As fears of a widespread outbreak continue to stir, Bengal’s poultry industry remains hopeful, with traders working hard to reassure the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. The state's poultry business, however, is keeping a close watch on developments in neighboring regions to mitigate any potential risks.