Chicken prices fall as bird flu hits Nepal

Major institutions in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu are avoiding chicken following the recent outbreak of bird flu which is having a huge affect on local chickens prices.

Schools and security agencies decision to stay away from chicken products has led to a drop in price of 30% 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.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service