BRS MLA and former minister Harish Rao has refuted concerns linking chicken consumption to bird flu, urging the public not to fall for misinformation circulating on social media. He assured that properly cooked chicken and eggs pose no health risks.
Participating in a free Chicken & Egg Mela organized by poultry farmers in Siddipet district on Friday, Harish Rao emphasized that heating poultry products to 70 degrees Celsius, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), eliminates any potential viruses. He criticized the Congress government for neglecting poultry farmers, contrasting it with the previous BRS administration, which had provided subsidies on maize and electricity to support the sector.
Highlighting past instances of public apprehension, Harish Rao recalled that during KCR’s tenure, public representatives had consumed chicken to dispel similar fears. He reiterated that chicken and eggs are affordable sources of high-quality protein and encouraged people to incorporate them into their diet.
Despite these assurances, poultry sales have declined due to prevailing fears, leading to a noticeable drop in footfall at chicken markets. Even as prices have fallen, consumer interest remains low, resulting in a surge in fish demand, with prices rising to Rs 300 per kg.