Bird Flu Threat to Food Safety

Kerala has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) or Bird Flu in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, raising concerns for poultry safety during the festive season. Tests conducted by the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, verified infections in chickens, ducks, and quails.

Authorities emphasise that poultry meat remains safe for consumption, but strict monitoring is needed to prevent the virus from spreading through live birds and contaminated products.

Containment Measures

Animal Husbandry officials have implemented strict biosecurity and containment measures in affected areas:

• Culling infected birds: So far, 24,309 birds have been culled in Alappuzha, including chickens, ducks, quails, turkeys, and parrots. Rapid response teams have carried out disinfection operations in outbreak zones.

• Surveillance zone: The sale, transport, and use of poultry, eggs, manure, and related products are banned within a 10-km radius of affected areas.

• Ban on bird rearing: Within a 1-km radius of outbreak epicentres, bird rearing is suspended for three months.

• Monitoring and inspections: Special squads and food safety officers are ensuring that contaminated products do not reach the market.

These measures follow the Central Government’s 2021 revised guidelines to maintain food safety and public health.

Risk Factors and Preventive Practices

Experts highlight that outdoor duck farming in Kuttanad increases vulnerability to Bird Flu compared to indoor poultry operations. Authorities recommend:

• Avoiding contact between migratory and domesticated birds.

• Practising strict hygiene when handling poultry and eggs.

• Properly disposing of culled birds to prevent environmental contamination.

Impact on Hotels and Poultry Trade

The outbreak and subsequent restrictions have put the hotel and poultry trade under pressure.

• The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) has intensified its protest against the ban on chicken, particularly the use of chilled chicken, with around 1,500 hotels across Alappuzha planning to close in protest.

• Hotel owners and the All Kerala Poultry Federation petitioned the District Collector, requesting that the ban on chilled chicken be lifted and that measures be taken to mitigate the trade crisis.

• The KHRA also raised concerns that major branded fried chicken outlets have not been inspected by the Food Safety Department despite ongoing sales, seeking clarity on enforcement.

The District Collector stated that the ban, effective until the 31st, will be reviewed before further action. However, the request to allow chilled chicken sales was not approved, and authorities emphasised that all biosecurity protocols must be strictly followed.

Protecting Consumers During the Festive Season

While the outbreak is currently localised, authorities continue to monitor poultry products in the market. Farmers and consumers are advised to:

• Handle poultry and eggs carefully.

• Cook meat thoroughly before consumption.

• Avoid purchasing poultry from unauthorised sources.

These measures aim to ensure food safety and prevent further spread of avian influenza during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Source: Businessline 

Mathrubhumi

Asianet News