Bird Flu Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Puts West Bengal Poultry on High Alert

The West Bengal government is monitoring poultry imports closely due to a bird flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh. Although no import ban has been announced, concerns about the virus's impact on the poultry sector are rising. Prices have dropped due to decreased demand amid virus fears.

The West Bengal government is on high alert, closely monitoring poultry imports following a bird flu outbreak in Andhra Pradesh. Animal Resources Development Minister Swapan Debnath confirmed the vigilance but stopped short of imposing an import ban.

Concerns are mounting about the outbreak's impact on West Bengal's poultry sector, particularly since the state sources eggs from Andhra Pradesh. The West Bengal Poultry Federation reassured the public, stating that robust surveillance measures have been in place since last November.

Amid the outbreak, poultry sales are dwindling in Bengal, leading to a drop in chicken prices from Rs 220 to Rs 200 per kg. Demand continues to falter as virus-related uncertainties loom. However, experts emphasize that cooked poultry meat is safe for consumption since the virus is killed in extreme heat.