March 17, 2004

Taiwan Poultry Prices Show Signs Of Recovery

Poultry prices in Taiwan are showing signs of recovery as the bird flu outbreak is brought under control.

According to Kaohsiung County Government agricultural officials, the spread in February of a strain of avian flu that does not affect humans caused the price of poultry products to fall below cost.

A more pathogenic strain of the disease has killed 23 people elsewhere in Asia but has not been detected in Taiwan.

Early this month, the weak strain of avian flu was found on a Kaohsiung County farm, prompting the slaughter of tens of thousands of chickens.

Nevertheless, officials said, prices of broiler chickens and free-range chickens have bounced back.

As of yesterday, the selling prices of 600g of free-range chickens and broiler chickens were NT$24 and NT$21 respectively, both above cost. Egg prices have already returned to normal.