August 16, 2007

India eases restrictions on poultry in state hit by bird flu

Restrictions on trading and transportation of dressed poultry meat, poultry feeds and eggs have been eased in Manipur, the Indian state which reported bird flu earlier this month.

Poultry farmers and consumers welcomed the news as dressed poultry meat and eggs can be re-inducted in the 0-5 km radius area from Chingmeirong.

Although poultry can be sold in the state, live poultry birds and poultry feeds cannot be kept or stored within the infected zone (0-5 km radius area from the farm) until a post operation surveillance plan has been implemented and a disease free status declared.

The Union ministry of agriculture and ministry of health expressed full satisfaction over the operations conducted by the rapid Response Teams, under the state veterinary department to curb the disease.

Poultry farmers affected are demanding a hike in the rate of compensation per chicken from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 and that of adult poultry from Rs. 30-40 to Rs 120. They also wanted an increase in the rate per kg of feed from Rs. 6 to Rs. 16.

However, the Ministry said that farmers throughout India would be compensated at the same rate.

Estimates of the damage wrought by bird flu is about Rs. 217 crores or US$53.8 million, including follow-up vaccination campaigns, compensation and disposal of feeds and chickens.