By IANS
Bhubaneswar : The prices of poultry products have fallen in several parts of Orissa following the spread of bird flu in neighbouring West Bengal.
The prices have fallen drastically in the coastal district of Balasore, some 250 km from here, due to its proximity to West Bengal.
The price of a dressed chicken in the state used to be Rs.80 per kg. However, in Balasore it is now selling at Rs.40 per kg while in the state capital it is available for Rs.60.
The price of eggs has also come down from Rs.24 to about Rs.15 per dozen.
“We have stopped eating both chicken and eggs since the news of the spread of bird flu in West Bengal,” Prasan Prusty, a film producer who lives in the state capital here, told IANS.
Bishnupada Sethi, director of the state animal husbandry department, told IANS: “We have received information about the reduction in poultry prices from some places, including Balasore. We have deputed veterinary doctors to Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts, which are bordering West Bengal, to examine all birds.
“We don’t fear any outbreak in Orissa because the places affected by the disease in West Bengal are far from our border. However, we don’t want to take any chances and have been taking all preventive measures. We have asked the collectors of all 30 districts to remain alert and draw samples from birds that have flu-like symptoms.”