Bird Flu In Odisha: Affected Poultry Farmers To Get Compensation, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik on Wednesday said that poultry farmers who have been affected due to bird flu outbreak in Odisha will be compensated by the government.

According to the Minister, the department intends to pay Rs 20 for a small chicken (culled) and Rs 70 for a larger ones. At least two blocks in Puri – Pipili and Sakhigopal, have seen an outbreak of avian flu.

Samples were sent to Bhopal for testing from both blocks, and the results were positive.

More than 30,000 chickens were culled in these places to check the spread of the disease, sources said. Besides, safety measures are taken while transporting chicken in areas which witnessed outbreak of bird flu, the sources added.

However, the Public Health Department has clarified that there is no confirmed report of bird flu in humans.

Samples have been collected from a person in Puri who showed symptoms, and the results are expected within seven days. Samples will also be collected from those who were in contact with the individual, the department stated.