Odisha Health Minister confirms no human cases of bird flu in Puri

Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Amid concerns over a possible bird flu infection in Puri following virus detection in poultry farms, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed on Thursday that there have been no confirmed human cases of bird flu in the district.

Mahaling explained that samples from a suspected case in Mangalpur area of Puri tested negative for H5N1 after being analyzed at the RMRC and Pune Virology Centre. He assured that the individual is currently in isolation and emphasized that the Health Department is actively working to prevent the spread of the virus. He urged the public to remain calm and participate in mass awareness programs about the disease.

Although bird-to-human transmission of bird flu is uncommon, it can occur in individuals who have close contact with infected birds. Additionally, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik announced that poultry farmers affected by the outbreak will receive compensation, with Rs 20 for small chickens and Rs 70 for larger ones.

The bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in the Pipili and Sakhigopal blocks of Puri, with samples from these areas testing positive in Bhopal. Approximately 30,000 chickens have been culled as part of the state’s efforts to control the outbreak.