Bhubaneswar, July 27(OT Webdesk): A surge in bird flu cases in Puri and Khordha districts has triggered widespread panic among consumers, leading to a dramatic slump in chicken and egg sales across local markets.
Vendors report up to a 70% drop in household customers, as fear grips the region following confirmed outbreaks in Mundaamba and Gayabandha.
At Bhubaneswar’s bustling Unit-4 meat market, Sunday footfall remained high—but chicken stalls saw minimal activity. Consumers are shifting toward seafood, with fish, prawns, and crabs becoming preferred alternatives.
This shift has driven up prices of aquatic produce by Rs 50–Rs 100 per kilogram.
Chicken prices, meanwhile, have plummeted from Rs 220–Rs 240/kg to Rs 160–Rs 170/kg in just four days.
Hoteliers and fast-food outlets also report a steep decline in chicken consumption.
In response, the Animal Husbandry Department has launched culling operations and intensified public awareness campaigns, urging residents to avoid poultry products.
Loudspeaker announcements in surrounding villages reinforce the message, aiming to contain the spread and restore consumer confidence.
