No bird flu: TN minister allays fear of eating chicken, eggs

Chennai, Jan 24 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Minister Ms Geetha Jeevan today told the Assembly that there was no case of Bird flu in the state and the people could eat chicken and eggs without any fear.

Intervening during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address, she said serum samples were periodically being taken from all poultry centres in the state and sent to Central laboratory in Bangalore.

The results were negative, she said allaying the apprehensions of the people, in the wake of Bird flu attack in West Bengal.

The death of chickens in Kancheepuram and Namakkal districts during the last few days were due to some common disease and have nothing to do with bird flu.

''Medical analysis have proved this'', she said and added that there was one incident of death of cattle due to Anthrax in Vellore.

''The other deaths of cattle in some parts of state were due to foot and mouth disease'', she added.

After the detection of Anthrax in Vellore, anti-anthrax vaccinations were given to cattle in the area.

Soon after the Centre confirmed Bird flu in West Bengal, the Tamil Nadu government has taken all precutionary steps to prevent entry of Bird flu into the state.

''When the disease hit Manipur last year, it had not affected Tamil Nadu'', she added.

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