Bird Flu in India: Update

Out of 12 people suspected of having bird flu and being tested in India,7 have tested negative for the H5N1 virus. 5 patients are going through further tests to determine if they are suffering from the disease.

In all 95 people were tested but 90 proved negative for the H5N1 strain, said Union health secretary P.K. Hota.

Health officials fear that many people who live in close contact with animals especially in rural areas and who have little or no access to health services could contract avian influenza.

Meanwhile culling of fouls continues in the most inhumane manner.

Civic workers in Navapur told Reuters they were instructed not to shed bird blood to prevent any infection spreading. so these birds have their necks wringed or them being put into sacks and being buried in pits alive or being burned without checking if the animals are still alive!

there are fresh reports of poultry deaths in Shimoga, Karnataka

8 trains from Western Railways to Navapur have been cancelled. Also serving of chicken dishes on trains and planes have been stopped. Army men have also cancelled their orders from poultry farms. The army is the largest consuming body in India.

There has been a sharp fall in the demand and consumption of chicken, eggs and other poultry products across the country.

Although officials say that cooking of chicken to 70 deg C or for a period of 30 minutes means the food is safe, they fail to understand that before cooking the meat has first to be cut which means the flesh will have to be touched resulting in contact with the bird.

The best would be to be safe and avoid eating chickens.