April 10, 2013

China poultry sector badly hit by bird flu outbreak

China's poultry sector is severely impacted by a deadly bird flu outbreak, with reported drop in sales, said an industry group.

Authorities say they are unclear how the H7N9 avian influenza - which has killed seven people and sickened 24 - is spreading, though it is believed the infection is passing from birds to humans.

State media reported that poultry sales have plunged in some areas of China.

In the northern city of Shijiazhuang, daily chicken sales have tumbled more than 50% from a week earlier at the city's largest agricultural market.

Human H7N9 infections have so far been confined to China's developed eastern region. Shanghai has banned trade in live poultry and shut markets, while nearby Nanjing and Suzhou have followed suit.

China produced more than 18 million tonnes of poultry last year, accounting for over 20% of its meat output, according to official data. City residents eat an average 10.59 kilogrammes of poultry meat per person in 2011.

Authorities have advised the public to avoid live birds, but offered reassurances that poultry and eggs are safe for consumption if cooked properly.