Jalpaiguri, 27th January: Hundreds of chickens died in Rajganj amid the outbreak of bird flu. As soon as the news surfaced, traders in Denguajhar area of Jalpaiguri are selling poultry at a significantly low price.
Jalpaiguri Prani Bikas Kendra says that there is no confirmed news of bird flu in the district, however, samples of the dead chickens have been sent to Kolkata. Meanwhile, they assume the chickens may have died due to ‘Ranikhet’ virus infection. This is an acute viral disease of poultry characterized by involvement of respiratory system, drop in egg production and others. All the poultry farm owners have also been alerted by the District Zoological Development Center.
The officials have maintained that there is nothing to fear. They further added that there is no possibility of being affected by the bird flu from chicken or eggs cooked at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, a crowd of people were spotted buying chickens in pennies today.