Swine flu not caused by chicken, eggs
Srinagar: Poultry sales have declined by 95 percent in Valley markets after panic-stricken people stopped its consumption fearing spread of H1N1 virus.
The Animal Husbandry department has asked people to consume eggs and chicken as usual as there is no connection between swine flu and poultry.
Kashmir Valley Egg Traders Association president Muhammad Shafi Kumar said that since the outbreak of deadly Swine Flu disease in Kashmir rumors were rife that poultry consumption also leads to H1N1 virus. Our sales have diminished due to rumors. Let me tell you that there is no connection between the two. One should refrain from consuming eggs and chicken if there will be outbreak of bird flu. It is Swine Flu and people should understand that H1N1 influenza virus is present in pigs and not in chicken or eggs, he said.
The poultry entrepreneurs and the consumers need to know that Swine Flu is not even distantly related to Bird Flu. While the former disease occurs due to close contact of humans with the Swine/Pigs, the later occurs due to the affected birds.
Animal Husbandry Director Dr Shams Mukhdoomi said that there are no reports of Bird Flu from any part of the country. Therefore, the transmission of any deadly viral disease from poultry birds to poultry rearers is out of question. The poultry farmers need to continue the poultry rearing without paying any heed to rumors.
He added that the poultry farmers as also the consumers should not become the prey of quacks and ill-informed Facebook and WhatsApp users spreading unscientific and unproved statements about the Swine Flu. (CNS)
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