Bird flu a highly infectious disease that spreads from the birds and livestock into the humans and hence the consumption of the bird meat like Chicken comes under the scrutiny, but does eating a well-cooked chicken spreads the Bird Flu amongst the human? how you can remain safe from this deadly disease? Let’s take a look at this article…
Bird flu that attacks the bird almost every year is somewhat normal and the cases of fatality rate in Goa is almost zero to date. The ban on consumption of chicken for a short period of time releases the fear of getting infected.
Although the infection has already spread across many states in India Goa still remains safe to date. The overall consumption of chicken has decreased proportionately across the state but restaurants are still serving the chicken dishes and people do consume.
According to the owner of Krupa Restaurant Mapusa Mr. Ajit, the price of chicken has decreased by 20% from its original price and this happened due to the reduced demand in Poultry products from the locals who have now turned to Veg and Fish consumption.
However, you might be aware of the fact that No-Virus Can Survive the temperature of 70 degrees and we cook the food at a much higher temperature and hence the consumption of well-cooked food including the chicken is completely safe.
“There have been many episodes of bird flu in the country but never found one in Goa,” says shawarma owner Aaton adding that every year during this period of time he notices slight differences in his business where people refuse to eat chicken food items. Especially is shawarma which is quite famous in and around Mapusa.
How Long Does The Bird Flu virus Last?
According to the reports, to date, the cases of bird flu infections have been confirmed from Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Out of the total 40 tonnes of the chicken requirement of the state per nearly 30 tonnes comes from the neighboring state of Karnataka.
“We have issued orders to the director of the animal husbandry and veterinary services to stop bringing birds from the other states,” said Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant.
However taking the opinion from Krupa restaurant in Mapusa,” the taste and smell are absolute is same as before says Patricia Fernandez, a customer from the same restaurant. She also concluded by saying that she has been hearing this for the past few years and it hasn’t yet affected any part of Goa, but a few days back she heard about spreading the flu in some part of South Goa and she was quite panicked about it, after eating in some restaurant she is confident enough that the taste is same. Bird flu occurs every year and it won’t last for a long time.
Strict Precautions Taken in Restaurants
Now that the virus is already out, the restaurants in the state have decided to take all the necessary precautions to avoid the possibility of any infections. According to the reports, double-checking of Chicken has been done in shacks and most of the restaurants situated in the beach belt. besides that, the consumers of the restaurants make sure that chicken is fresh and healthy.
“We have not received any bad remarks or complaints on any item served,” says Prakash, manager of Las Olas in Baga. These famous restaurants are now focusing on more of veg, fish, and mutton dishes.
Bird flu has a history over the years and has been common over this years so it is our duty to take care of our natural habitat. It may also affect the tourism industry in Goa a large proportion of meat is consumed in most of the restaurants and local markets. Goa may not have any cases, but it would be far more prudent to stay alert than to regret later.
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels
