H7N9 Bird Flu Made Poultry Sector Fall into Serious Loss, Which Needs Building Scientific Prevention and Control Systems

By CnAgri2017-03-10 09:16:44 Print

H7N9 bird flu made poultry sector fall into serious loss. February broiler and layer prices decreased to 4 RMB/kg and most farm households fell into serious loss. The government has been advised to control H7N9 epidemics scientifically and publish the policies to save poultry sector quickly, in order to boost farm households’ confidence and motivation. The building of scientific prevention and control systems is the key to maintain the sustainable development of poultry sector.

First, correctly guide public opinions and prevent customers’ fear: billions of farming, slaughter and food processing players have not been directly infected by H7N9 cases. The government have been advised to strengthen the management and guide of media reports and stop media exaggeration and improper reports.

Second, perfect prevention and control linkage mechanism: the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture would set up expert committees consisting of doctors, veterinarians, poultry players and related experts to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and make prevention and control measures according to the national situation. The danger shouldn’t be exaggerated, and the prevention shouldn’t be magnified and overreacted.

Most importantly, the measures should be actively made to save poultry sector. In consideration of serious loss, appropriate compensation and subsidies should be given to related companies, farms and farm households in order to boost farmers’ confidence and motivation.