Bihar Officials Dismiss Bird Flu Fears, Assure Public On Poultry Safety

Patna: Amid reports of unexplained poultry deaths across several districts, concerns over a possible bird flu outbreak have unsettled residents. However, the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has sought to allay fears, issuing an advisory that emphasizes there is no cause for panic.
Authorities have reassured the public that consuming well-cooked chicken and eggs poses no risk of infection. The advisory highlights that the H5N1 virus, responsible for avian influenza, does not survive high temperatures. Given that Indian cooking methods typically exceed 70 degrees Celsius, officials insist that poultry products remain safe when properly prepared.
The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes this stance, stating that thorough cooking neutralizes the virus. Nonetheless, officials caution against consuming raw or undercooked poultry and urge the public to adhere to safe food preparation practices.
In response to growing speculation on social media, the department has urged citizens to avoid misinformation and rely on credible sources for updates. The government has assured continuous monitoring of the situation and pledged swift action should any threat arise.