Bird flu calls for poultry breeding change

Source: CCTV.com | 12-07-2006 16:33

Preventing the spread of bird flu needs a change in poultry breeding practices.

All human cases of the disease have occurred in developing countries where backyard and small-scale farming dominate the poultry industry. International health experts are now calling for a move to the industrialized practice, where birds are confined indoors.

Large poultry farms do not welcome outsiders, especially in winter, which is bird flu season. Even their own trucks must go through three disinfections. Visitors are only allowed to peep in through a monitor.

Du Shousan, veteran Beijing Huadu yukou poultry Co.,LTD. said, "An enhanced animal disease prevention system favors large-scale poultry breeding practices. It's easy to implement disinfection and vaccination measures. It's hard for small businesses to implement such measures completely and properly. Their poultry is exposed to the natural environment and vulnerable to diseases."

Bird flu re-emerged in Asia three years ago. Most outbreaks occurred in developing countries where small-scale poultry breeding provides both inexpensive protein and an easy source of income. This is true in China, which is the world's largest poultry and egg producer.

Li Jinxiang, Dep.bureau director ministry of agriculture said, "In our country, individual farmers and small businesses raise 60 percent of poultry. This is unsuitable when there is a bird flu threat, especially when migrating birds may spread the virus to them. The Ministry of Agriculture encourages large-scale poultry enterprises and breeding zones across the country. It will be good for bird flu prevention as well as product quality."

Indoor breeding does prevent outside contact, thus reducing the chances and routes of disease transmission. But the change comes at a price.

And whether the rural farmers and small businesses, used to raising poultry outdoors, can afford it is another question.

Editor:Du Xiaodan