August 8, 2006

Thai chicken sales drop amid bird flu scare 
 

Sales of fresh chicken have dropped substantially in Thailand even though it is close to the Chinese Lent festival that would usually see increased volumes.

In the municipal market in Uthai Thani province, vendors reported slow sales of chicken as shoppers opted for pork or seafood for Chinese Lent.

The province had reported the death of a 27-year-old man last week from bird flu.

Chicken stalls in Phichit province report sales just as slow despite assurances from authorities. Traders selling pork, however, are doing a brisk trade

Even in areas not at risk, such as the northeastern province of Kalasin, sales of poultry and eggs have dropped 40 percent.

Some southern provinces however, where the bird flu issue is more remote, reported better sales as prices were cut and crowds thronged the markets.