November 16, 2005

Vietnam's Hanoi bans poultry slaughter in all markets

Local authorities in Hanoi have banned poultry slaughter in all markets, following renewed bird flu outbreaks in the country.

Earlier, sale of poultry products there had almost stopped completely because most local residents have ceased poultry and egg consumption.

Some local supermarkets have also stopped selling domestic poultry products and limited imports of foreign products.

Long Bien market, a major poultry market in Hanoi, stopped running in early November and market operators have disinfected the entire area.

Some smaller markets have stopped selling poultry products as well. Some poultry sellers there said they would turn to selling other meat types, as poultry demand had fallen significantly.

However, concerns remained over markets in suburban areas, where many poultry breeders have been trying to sell poultry before they were forced to destroy the animals.