Claims that coronavirus can be transmitted through broiler chickens in India have appeared on social media platforms accompanied by these images (see below):
According to CNBC, India’s poultry industry has lost 13 billion rupees ($182 million) in three weeks after the speculations.
Verification
Using reverse image searches we can verify that the image of the sick-looking chick with open-mouthed breathing is a case of Colibacillosis, used for research done in January 2014.
The one showing a chicken with a closed eye is a case of Aspergillosis, a fungal infectious disease that can sometimes cause eye lesions or chronic lesions in older birds.
The veterinary wing of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in India issued a press release refuting the claim.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the animal source of coronavirus has not been identified yet. However, it has advised people to be protective while visiting live animal markets and avoid the consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products.
Verdict
There is no evidence that suggests the Coronavirus spreads through chicken and the claims are therefore false.
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