Bird flu scare makes poultry prices drop in Telangana

Hyderabad: Amid the Bird flu scare, chicken prices are falling slowly in the Telangana State, particularly in Hyderabad where consumption is high. Although, the State government clarified that the State is free from the threat of flu spread, people seem to be avoiding consuming chicken amid reports of the flu rise in other States.

Sales have gone down by at least 20 to 30 per cent at chicken shops located in the busy areas in the city. Anticipating low sales, the wholesale suppliers and the sellers at retail stores reduced price. Earlier, skinless chicken was sold at Rs 230 to Rs 240 per kg. Now, the prices have gone down to Rs 200 to Rs 210 per kg.

Telangana Poultry Owners Association said that people are scared to consume chicken after the news broke out that birds succumbed to the flu in various parts of the country.

Fake news on social media on the spread of flu in Telangana is bringing down chicken sales. The government should take necessary measures to allay apprehensions on the flu among people and save the poultry industry from the sudden collapse, the association said.

An awareness campaign on eating chicken is already taken up in parts of Hyderabad and across the State. The government is requested to encourage the restaurants and eateries to serve chicken delicacies to the consumers without any restrictions on the regular menu.