KARACHI (January 29 2004): The fear of spreading of bird flu has finally hit the market where prices fell by 50 percent within 24 hours, lowest in the last 20 years.

The detection of avian virus and news about the loss of 3.5 million chickens in last three months convinced the users to keep a distance from the chicken.

Retailers said that prices on Wednesday were hovering between Rs 25 and Rs 30 per kg for live chicken. Retailers said live chicken was priced at Rs 25 in 1985-86.

Since then the prices have been increasing despite rapid growth in the poultry industry.

Those who are selling the chicken at Rs 25 per kg, have to buy the day-old chicks at Rs 20-22 per head. So, the loss is tremendous, said wholesalers.

The retailers said that nobody is ready to buy chicken any more as the frequent reports appearing on television and newspapers were enough to create fear among the general public.

"Even egg prices have come down to Rs 22 to Rs 24 per dozen from Rs 32 a day earlier," said egg sellers. Eggs were selling at Rs 42 per dozen just a couple of weeks ago.

The situation coincided with Eid-ul-Azha when people generally stop buying chicken in the wake of sufficient availability of mutton and beef.

Though the H7 virus in chickens is not harmful as it does not transmit to human beings, and the cooked chicken is harmless, the latest warning by World Health Organisation has created real fear among the people.

The UN representative on Tuesday said that millions of people could die if the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Asia combined with another human influenza virus which is moving towards the region. The meeting of two viruses could trigger global pandemic.

However, Pakistani scientists said they did not detect the H5N1 in Karachi as it was detected in Vietnam and Thailand. Pakistani chicken contains only H7 and H9 virus, which is neither fatal for the human body not transferable from chicken to human beings.

Poultry industry representatives said it was the biggest shock they were facing. They said many people involved in this business would not be able to continue their business when the viral fear is over.

Courtesy Business Recorder