Bird flu confirmed in MP's Kadaknath chickens

The Kadaknath chickens are known for their dark-colored meat and significantly lower fat and cholesterol than other species of chicken. It further came into the spotlight after former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni ordered them in bulk for rearing on his farm.

Jhabua:As states grapple with bird flu, Madhya Pradesh's special Kadaknath chickens have also been found infected with the flu. After initial symptoms were found in the poultry birds, the Animal Husbandry Department sent a sample to Bhopal, the reports of which confirmed the bird flu in Jhabua's poultry.

Deputy Director of Jhabua Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. Wilson Davar confirming bird flu in the state poultry said the department has written to all concerned to take action according to the instructions given to control bird flu.

Action will also be taken to cull birds and eggs around the one-kilometer area of the poultries so that bird flu cannot spread to other places.

Half a dozen peacocks have died in Madhrani of Jhabua due to the possibility of bird flu, while reports of samples taken from there are yet to come.

Information about the death of pigeons and ravens at different places in the districts has also been received by the collector who has given instructions to all subdivisional officers of the district to be vigilant.

Also read: 20,000 chickens culled in Haryana to stop bird flu

The Kadaknath chickens are known for their dark-colored meat and significantly lower fat and cholesterol than other species of chicken. It further came into the spotlight after former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni ordered them in bulk for rearing on his farm.

Vinod Meda, who cultivates Kadaknath chickens from the village of Rundhipada in Jhabua district was to deliver 2000 chickens by December 15 and was given an advance payment for the same.