With cases of flu being reported in neighbouring states, the East Singhbhum district administration has started taking preventive measures in the city. Principle Secretary, Health Department Nitin Madan Kulkarni has written to East Singhbhum Civil Surgeon to take preventive measures.

The directive has asked the district administration to enforce check on crossing over of poultry products in those areas which share borders with Odisha till the avian influenza virus threat persists in the neighbouring state.

The poultry farms in Odisha from where a huge number of chickens are imported in to the city have now come under the scanner of the district administration with the health department personnel being asked to ensure adequate supply of  anti bird flu vaccines to the poultry farms based in the twin blocks, particularly in Rajnagar, Ghatshila and Bahragora.

Tata Steel Zoological Park is also taking preventive measures. Under the leadership of Dr M Palit, a drive has been launched and steps are being taken to clean the closures and vigil is being kept on the activities of birds.    

According to information, the demand for poultry products in the city has reportedly fallen by 10 per cent to 15 per cent. As per the trend, the sale of poultry products is always high during the winter season however, but the fear factor has forced the people to shun the consumption.

Mohan Kumar a wholesale dealer of poultry products in the city said there has been a 30 per cent decline in the sale of chicken. "For the past two days, people are instead opting for fish and mutton, and the sale of these products has doubled," he added. He, however, said the decline in the sale of poultry products was around 20 per cent.

With reports of bird flu reportedly spreading to more areas in neighbouring, the poultry industry in the city has went for a tailspin as demand for supply of eggs and chicken dropped.

Steps would also be taken to check hygiene, sanitation and norms for display and storage of mutton and poultry products in the city.

A majority of the meat shops are found to be lacking in hygiene inside the shops, personal hygiene and medical fitness of staff, disposal of waste water and steps to control flies.

The department will issue a show-cause notice to the meat shop owners under the Food Safety and Standard Rules and on the basis of the response, further action will be taken as per the law against the offenders.