Vijayawada: The bird flu outbreak that severely hit the poultry sector in Andhra Pradesh is now under control, leading to gradual increase in chicken sales across the state. Consumers who avoided poultry products due to fear of infection are now returning to buy chicken and eggs.
In early Feb, poultry sales dropped drastically after bird flu cases were reported in East and West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts. Neighbouring states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Odisha imposed ban on eggs and broiler chickens from AP, further deepening the crisis. Many poultry farmers suffered heavy losses as demand plummeted, forcing several poultry farms and chicken shops to shut down temporarily.
However, officials from the AP animal husbandry dept have confirmed that the spread of bird flu has been effectively contained due to strict biosecurity measures implemented by farmers and rising temperatures, which helped curb the virus. To restore public confidence, AP poultry traders’ federation has been organising awareness campaigns and chicken festivals across the state. These events emphasise that proper cooking at temperatures above 70°C eliminates any risk of infection. Encouraged by these efforts, large numbers of people are participating in these festivals, enjoying poultry dishes without fear.
As demand rebounds, poultry prices are rising steadily. According to Amaravati poultry traders’ association, the price of broiler chicken, which was ₹160 per kg on March 1, has now increased to ₹200 per kg. If demand continues to rise, prices could reach ₹240 per kg in the coming weeks.
