Fowls in poultry
The Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustin announced the lifting of the ban on the sales of chicken in the region during an interview on the sidelines of the Governors Conference in Yaoundé recently.
The ban was lifted on the premise that no signs of the bird flu virus have been detected in the region several weeks after the outbreak was reported.
The decision was perceived as a welcome relieve for poultry farmers who had either closed their poultries after the destruction of infected birds and eggs or those who just couldn’t sell because the chicken sales were forbidden in the region.
Several days after the markets were reopened, chicken vendors are yet to witness any affluence while buyers complain that the prices have skyrocketed.
Some vendors also complain that the new chicken market in Bafoussam is small to contain all the chicken sellers, and it is not known to clients.
Poultry managers say they have to increase prices to minimizes the losses incurred to the prolong closure of the markets. They are hoping that government will come to their aid, caution the cost incurred due to the bird flu outbreak.
Veterinary authorities have however warned poultry farmers to maintain strict security measures around and within their farmers and report and suspected cases.
Household are once again pleased to have table birds for their meals and restaurants have quickly added chicken to their menu to the satisfaction of their clients.
