# 1611
It's a Conspiracy . . . at least according to the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA).
Obviously, the culling and safety warnings are having a huge negative impact on the poultry industry, so one can understand their frustration.
The message that this sends, however -that bird flu isn't a real problem - could cost lives. Getting cooperation from villagers hasn't been easy. Now is not the time to be putting doubts into people's heads about the dangers of bird flu.
This from The Associated Press of Pakistan.
Bird Flu ‘propaganda’ costs poultry industry billions: Association
ISLAMABAD, Feb 4 (APP): Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) Monday said the poultry business suffered billions of rupees loss on account of panic in consumers caused by, what he called, a propaganda of Bird Flu.
According to Geo News chairman PPA Abdul Basit said: “The Bird Flu propaganda is a well thought out conspiracy due to which the poultry industry has been pushed to the verge of collapse.”
He said the livelihood of the people associated with the poultry industry has become insecure as a result of the disease which, he maintained, is found in birds and which can hardly pose any real threat to the people.
“In our country the chicken meat is cooked at a heat of 120 degrees, eliminating the possibility of presence of the virus, if any,” he argued.
He called appealed to the government to save the poultry industry in which, he pointed out, a huge investment of Rs 200 billion has been made. The bird flu vaccine should also be provided to the poultry farmer at subsidized rates, he said.
