RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Feb 25: Poultry business remained normal in Jharkhand capital despite confirmation of Bird Flu cases in Bokaro and reports of deaths of chickens in Giridih and Lohardaga.
A rough survey of the city suggested that normal crowds were noticed at different wholesale and retail chicken outlets. It was realised that both consumers and sellers are aware of the confirmed cases of Bird Flu in Bokaro but are not terrified. They, however, have taken precautionary measures according to knowledge, skills and experience.
“Business remained as usual. Since morning I must have sold 25kg of chicken as a matter of routine and hope that I will be able to sell 25 kg more. No virus can survive at high temperatures. Once cooked properly nothing will happen to consumers,” said Taufique Ahmed sitting at his retail shop said.
Asked about the precaution at his level he said, “I sell local chickens as I have heard that chickens coming from West Bengal and Odisha are not healthy these days.”
Mohammed Ashif, who runs Shoeb Broiler Farm, echoed Ahmed saying his business has increased during these days.
“Normally, I sell 150 quintals per day while these days demand is 200 to 250 quintals per day. I face difficulty in supply,” Ashif said. Asked what precaution he has taken, he said he pays “proper attention to cleanliness.”
On his fear of catching Bird Flu, he said, “Birds die in case of minute temperature difference. It will be wrong to say it is due to any disease. We are waiting and watching as there is no death at my broiler so far.”
Mohammed Naushad, who runs Naushad (Sonu) Broiler Farm, supported Ashif but at the same time, he shared the precautionary steps he has taken in the wake of the Bird Flu alert.
“I have stopped importing chicken from Bokaro and depending on other markets. I supply retailers and thus take all precautions so that nothing wrong happens. So far business is fine.
Mohammed Naushad, who was dressing chicken for sale, said from morning 7 am to 8 am there was a huge crowd suggesting no one is afraid of Bird Flu in the Jharkhand capital so far.
