Delhi is one of the 10 states in India where the prevalence of bird flu has been confirmed after samples of dead birds collected from various parts of the city were tested positive for avian influenza strain - H5N8. Amid the scare of bird flu, North Delhi Municipal Corporation's (NDMC) public health inspectors have requested city restaurants not to sell roasted chicken. The decision was made at a meeting of senior officers of the municipal corporation, and action regarding the same will be taken immediately.
According to a report in ANI, NDMC Mayor Jai Prakash announced that they will monitor all livestock markets to prevent bird flu. "We will form monitoring committees in all six zones in North Delhi and also set up monitoring committees in livestock markets," he said.
Bird flu was confirmed in 10 states - Kerala, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Following the report, Prime Minister urged all these states to remain on alert and said that poultry farms, zoos, water bodies will have to be constantly monitored to contain the disease.
To stop the spread of the diseases, NDMC is set to take all preventative measures. Mayor revealed - "We are going to instruct ward public health inspectors to visit restaurants selling roasted chicken and request them not to sell it until the problem of bird flu is over in Delhi."
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Bird flu was confirmed in Delhi.
Bird flu transmits in humans when the person gets in close contact with the dead or live bird, affected with the H5N1 virus. Health experts suggest avoiding uncooked or undercooked meats and eggs. But the question in everyone's mind still remains - is it safe to consume cooked chicken, duck, eggs or any kind of poultry during this time?
World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued some advisory regarding chicken and egg consumption during bird flu.
Click here to see detailed recommendations by WHO to prevent bird flu.