Ranikhet hits poultry industry

by Gamini WARUSHAMANA

The poultry industry faces another crisis with the outbreak of Ranikhet or Newcastle viral disease in several areas in the country.

Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health Dr. Nimal Chandrasiri said that the disease has been reported from many areas and a large number of birds have died.

Chairman All Island Poultry Association Dr. D.D. Wanasinghe said that over 15,000 birds have died due to the disease in Hettipola and Panduwasnuara areas.

Dr. Wanasinghe said that this disease will not spread to other animals or humans and it is a host specific disease and therefore request people not to panic in consuming chicken and eggs.

This air-born viral disease cannot be cured and infected birds die within 24 hours. Farmers have faced difficulties as the handlers refuse to work in poultry farms. The spread of the disease can only be prevented by vaccinating birds, Dr. Wanasinghe said.

Dr. Wanasinghe said that government should assist these affected farmers to resume their ventures because most of them are small scale farmers who depend on this business. However, Dr. Chandrasiri said that the Department cannot compensate affected farmers as no funds are available.

Meanwhile egg shortage is still prevailing and the price of an egg has increased to Rs.15-18. Dr. Wanasinghe said that there is a 40% shortage of hens and restoration of egg production will not take place till September next year unless urgent measures are taken.

Imports of one day old pullets is not taking place and there is a black market of pullets. The price of a pullet is around Rs.171 but the intermediaries buy them at Rs.150 and sell at Rs.290-310 per pullet.

He said that there will be an egg shortage during the festive season. There is no shortage of chicken and the industry can supply over 10,000 kg per month and the demand during the festival season is over 9,000 kg per month.Dr. Wanasinghe said that the shortage of hens has affected maize farmers. There is a shortage of around 250,000 hens. A hen consumes around 34-40 kg of food during its 18-month life span and maize accounts for 50% of poultry feed. Therefore, this crisis in the industry has a chain effect on the economy, he said.

Dr. Chandrasiri said that government has decided to import eggs and day-old pullets and the department is issuing import permits and therefore the price of eggs will drop in coming months.