Prices of chicken and eggs rebound in Myanmar because of bird fly

Prices of chicken and eggs rebounded in Myanmar , after the government announced last week that bird flu outbreaks in the country were under control. Myanmar detected the country's first outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in chickens and quails in Mandalay and Sagaing regions in central Myanmar on March 13.

Photo: Prices of chicken and eggs rebound in Myanmar because of bird fly

Since confirming the outbreaks, authorities banned transport of poultry and barred the sale of chicken and eggs at markets in affected regions. Prices of chicken and eggs tumbled, and chicken was off the menu in many restaurants. Broiler chickens had plummeted from 3,500 kyats (US$2.70, 2.24) per viss (1.6 kilograms, 3.5 pounds) before the outbreak to 1,000 kyats (US$0.77, 0.64). Chicken eggs dropped from 60 kyats (US$0.05, 0.04) per egg to 30 kyats (US$0.02, 0.02). Many people refrained from eating chicken.

Livestock authorities said last week that bird flu in Myanmar has been brought under control, and restrictions will be lifted in two affected regions by the end of the month. On Wednesday in Yangon markets, the price of chicken shot back up to 2,500 kyats (US$1.92, 1.59) per viss (1.6 kilograms, 3.5 pounds). Eggs prices went from 300 kyats (US$0.23, 0.19) for 10 eggs to 500 kyats (US$0.38, 0.32).

The World Health Organization will send a team to inspect the bird flu situation in Myanmar at the end of this month. Myanmar ranks as one of the world's poorest nations, with its military rulers suspicious of foreign influence and reluctant to reveal the seriousness of problems it faces, including the rampant spread of AIDS, reports the AP.

N.U.