No 'bird flu' scare in Kochi

Kochi, Mar 16 (UNI) Thousands of people flocked to a ''chicken mela'' here this evening to savour a free meal of chicken, eggs and bread, in a clear indication that for Kochiites, there is no scare of avian influenza.

The 'chicken mela' was organised by the All-Kerala Poultry Farmers and Traders Association to drive home the point that consuming their favourite ''kozhi'' (chicken) dishes posed no harm to the people.

The 'mela' started at about 1700 hrs. and within two hours, nearly 1,800 kg of chicken prepared for the event was finished off, the organisers said.

In fact many people, including men, women and children, who had thronged the 'Rajendra Maidan', the venue of the 'mela', had to go back disappointed as the chicken dishes finished before they could lay their hands on them.

According to the association president A A Rafeeq, the avian flu scare had in the initial days caused a loss of Rs 100 crore to the poultry sector in the state.

Sales were gradually picking up and today's event was organised in a bid to further boost the business.

UNI ARC VS2002