DHAKA, March 23: The government of Bangladesh has launched a drive to prevent proliferation of avian flu, urging all concerned to make its efforts success without being panicked of the virus.

“There is nothing to worry under the situation as the poultry meat and eggs are totally safe for consumption after usual cooking,” health and family welfare adviser to the government A. S. M. Matiur Rahman told a press briefing on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday the government officially admitted that the virus was found among chicks in a Savar poultry firm, some 20 kms from here.

Veterinary teams on Friday culled over 8,000 chicks in Savar and Gazipur following confirmation of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in poultry samples. The measures came as precautionary steps to prevent further spread of the virus.

Earlier, some 30,000 chickens were destroyed in Savar as initially the authorities believe the chicks were infected by Ranikhet, but sample test later on confirmed existence of H5N1.

After the detection of the virus, the government held a special cabinet meeting on Thursday, and later instructed the authorities concerned to take appropriate steps.

“There is no reason for any panic or concern. In fact, poultry birds and eggs can be consumed as usual through normal cooking,” said an official statement.

In line with the cabinet decision, two advisers – Chowdhury S. Karim and A.S.M. Matin told a press conference to dispel the people’s fear.