Pune: After the COVID-19 outbreak created havoc on India's poultry industry, it is now reeling under the new threat of the bird flu (Avian Influenza). Due to the fear of the flu, the sale of chicken and other poultry prodcuts have been the worst-hit.

Broiler chicken prices have fallen to Rs 60 per kg from around Rs 90 per kg. Also, egg prices have gone down by more than 10 per cent in as many shop owners try to sell their products as quickly as possible, fearing a further drop in prices.

Now, in a move to attract customers, one of the chicken traders in Malshiras from Purandar Taluka in Pune district is giving a unique offer. One of the traders here is giving free eggs on one kilogram of chicken. The trader here is giving four eggs on the purchase of one kg chicken while a masala (spices) are given free on the purchase of half kg chicken.

In India from last 15 years, almost every year in winters, Avian Influenza, a common cold disease is found in birds.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) clearly stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the flu can spread through properly cooked food. Like all viruses, bird flu is also sensitive to heat and dies at cooking temperature or over 70 degree Celsius.

The sudden drop in demand and prices is compounding the woes of millions of small poultry traders in an industry that only recently started to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak led disruption that hit sales in last year.