No Bird Flu Detected in Odisha: Health Minister Confirms Amid Rising Concerns

Bhubaneswar: Amid rumours of a person from Puri being infected by bird flu after the detection of the virus in poultry farms, the Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday informed that there are no human cases of bird flu in Puri. 

The Odisha Health Minister said that samples collected from a suspected human case of bird flu at Mangalpur area in the Puri district have turned out to be negative for H5N1. 

The samples were sent to RMRC and Pune Virology Centre for testing. 

Suspected Case Triggers Widespread Alert

The Odisha Health Department earlier initiated an extensive response after a man in Puri exhibited symptoms resembling avian influenza. Samples from the individual were sent to the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar and the Virology Centre in Pune for testing.

Dr. Mahaling assured the public that the health department is fully prepared to handle any potential outbreak. Surveillance has been intensified, particularly in the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks of Puri district. 

“We are taking all necessary precautions, and our officials are on high alert,” the minister stated.

Earlier on Wednesday, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik informed that the poultry farmers affected by bird flu in Odisha will get compensation.

The Minister said that the department is planning to provide compensation of Rs 20 for one small chicken and Rs 70 for bigger ones.

As many as two blocks in Puri - Pipili and Sakhigopal have witnessed outbreaks of bird flu. Samples from both the blocks were sent to Bhopal for testing and the reports have come as positive.

More than 5,000 chickens were culled in Odisha after the H5N1 strain of avian influenza or bird flu was detected in the Pipili area of Odisha's Puri district amid the bird flu scare in the State.