December 7, 2011
Chicken prices slide 30% amid bird flu outbreak in Nepal
The price of chicken products has slid by 30% following the recent outbreak of bird flu in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, which has caused major institutions like schools and security agencies to avoid chicken, according to some reports.
In addition, the Nepali Army has reportedly issued a circular directing its troops not to buy chicken. The army usually includes mutton and chicken items in its menu.
"Consumers fear eating chicken meat despite the fact that bird flu viruses are killed if cooked properly," said Junga Bahadur, chairman of Chicken Retailers Association. "This fear has brought down the demand for chicken in the cold stores by around 60%," he said.
The latest strain of bird flu virus was detected in Bhaktapur in Kathmandu Valley. Preventative measures to stop the spread are in place including the culling of all poultry birds in the area.