Poultry farmers concerned as egg sales decline

By Amar Raj Naharki, Tanahun, July 24: Poultry farmers in Tanahun have expressed concern after a sharp decline in egg sales, despite there being no outbreak of bird flu or any other serious infectious poultry disease in the district. 

They say rumours circulating in the market and misconceptions among consumers have reduced demand for eggs, preventing farmers from receiving fair prices for their produce.

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Expert Centre, Tanahun, has confirmed that no cases of bird flu or any other serious contagious poultry disease have been detected in the district.

However, the Tanahun Layers Poultry Farmers' Association stated that although eggs produced in the district are completely safe, sales have been adversely affected by public misunderstanding.

To dispel these misconceptions and reassure consumers about the safety of locally produced poultry products, the association recently organised a consumer awareness campaign, including the distribution of eggs, at Anshan Chautari in Damauli. Association chair Narendra Bahadur Chand said egg sales had fallen by more than half due to unfounded rumours in the market. 

He said that although production remains safe, consumers have become hesitant to consume eggs and chicken, leaving farmers unable to receive fair prices for their products.

"Poultry farms in Tanahun are safe. However, rumours circulating in the market have created confusion among consumers, causing egg sales to fall by more than 50 per cent," he said. "We launched this campaign on the streets to reassure consumers that there is no disease and to encourage them to consume eggs and chicken with confidence."As part of the campaign, boiled eggs were prepared and distributed free of charge to members of the public at the event venue.

 An egg-eating competition was also organised to help eliminate public misconceptions. 

Janak Paudel of Damauli won the first place after eating 20 eggs.

The head of the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Expert Centre, Tanahun, Rabinson Adhikari, reiterated that no cases of bird flu or any other serious infectious poultry disease have been detected in the district. He said strict health inspections are mandatory for poultry products brought into the district from outside, and veterinary certification is required before they can enter the market.

To prevent any possible transmission of disease, poultry farmers and businesses have been urged to strictly follow biosecurity measures. 

The centre has advised farmers to disinfect all vehicles and equipment entering the poultry farms, avoid reusing old paper egg trays, and protect domestic poultry from contact with wild birds.

Byas Municipality Mayor Baikuntha Neupane stressed that all concerned agencies must remain vigilant to protect both public health and the poultry industry. He said awareness campaigns of this nature help prevent unnecessary panic and strengthen consumer confidence.

The public has also been urged to immediately report any unusual illness or unexplained deaths of birds at farms or retail outlets to the nearest Livestock Service Office, veterinary hospital or Livestock Expert Centre.

To reinforce the message that there is no bird flu outbreak and that eggs remain safe to eat, participants at the awareness campaign gathered at Anshan Chautari in Damauli and publicly consumed eggs.