Visakhapatnam: Amid rising H5N1 avian influenza cases in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, health officials in Visakhapatnam have assured the public that no cases have been recorded in the city and that poultry remains safe for consumption.
Speaking to the media, D. Ramakrishna, District Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, confirmed that 20 rapid response teams are actively monitoring poultry farms and reporting any unusual bird deaths. Additionally, poultry imports from infected zones have been blocked to prevent potential spread.
Despite official assurances, many residents have switched to seafood, leading to a threefold increase in fish sales at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on February 16, with 150 tonnes of fish sold compared to the usual 40-50 tonnes.
Authorities at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park have implemented biosecurity measures, replacing poultry-based diets with boiled eggs and pasteurized milk for animals.
Experts state that properly cooked poultry is safe, recommending chicken be cooked at 75°C and eggs at 80°C. Health officials continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to follow hygiene practices.
