HYDERABAD: Amid rising rumours of bird flu spreading across Telangana, veterinary scientists have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm. While the viral disease, Avian Influenza A-H5N1, has been affecting poultry birds in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states, no cases have been reported in Telangana so far.
According to experts, bird flu is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can affect both animals and humans. However, they emphasized that while the virus can thrive in humans, its symptoms are manageable and do not cause life-threatening conditions. They remain confident that the virus will eventually subside with minimal damage.
Historical Context of Rumours in Telangana
A scientist from PV Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University (PVNR) spoke to Siasat.com on condition of anonymity, recalling how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, similar unfounded rumours had spread, suggesting that consuming chicken could lead to contracting the virus. This fear led to a dramatic decrease in the consumption of chicken and eggs. However, once authorities clarified that poultry was safe, consumption resumed, although the poultry industry faced significant losses during the interim.
“Prices of chicken were slashed to throwaway levels, but eventually, the market stabilized, and prices have remained steady at Rs 200 per kg,” the scientist explained. Despite such fluctuations, the industry remains resilient, understanding the inherent risks and adjusting prices accordingly.
How Risky is Bird Flu for Humans?
The scientist from PVNR further explained that the severity of any virus is largely determined by its mortality rate. He pointed out that while bird flu is a concern, it does not pose the same level of risk as other historical viruses like smallpox, which had a 100% mortality rate before being eradicated.
While bird flu can mutate and become more virulent, especially when it jumps between species, the scientist stressed that, at present, there is no vaccine for the virus. He reassured the public that the likelihood of widespread human infections remains low.
Recent Measures and Disposal of Infected Birds in Telangana
The Telangana Animal Husbandry Department has been actively monitoring the situation to prevent bird flu from entering the state. The government issued a notice on February 11, directing all district collectors to raise awareness among poultry farmers and the public about bird flu prevention. The notice also outlined proper methods for disposing of infected birds, such as digging pits and using biosafety measures.
However, adherence to these guidelines has been inconsistent, as seen in the recent case in Nalgonda district, where dead chickens were found dumped in the Akkampally reservoir. Investigations revealed that the poultry farm manager was responsible for the improper disposal, which raised concerns about the potential contamination of water supplies.
The Poultry Industry’s Monopoly and Future Prospects
The poultry industry in Telangana is dominated by large businesses, creating a monopoly that limits the independence of smaller poultry farmers. These major players supply eggs and fodder to smaller farms in exchange for fully grown chickens. While the financial risks for small farmers are low, they invest significant time and effort into rearing the chickens.
Looking ahead, scientists predict that the poultry industry may undergo a significant shift, particularly with the rise of frozen meat. “Chicken meat is already being supplied to restaurants in frozen form. It’s only a matter of time before frozen chicken becomes the norm for consumers,” said the scientist.
This transition to frozen meat, with chickens sent directly to slaughterhouses, cut, packed, frozen, and distributed to markets, could be a safer and more hygienic alternative to freshly cut poultry, ensuring better control over the virus and other food safety risks.