Wanaparthy poultry deaths push chicken prices up
WANAPARTHY: Chicken prices have risen sharply across parts of Telangana, with retail rates climbing to ₹300–₹340 per kg amid falling poultry supply and rising demand.
Traders said prices increased by ₹50–₹100 per kg within two days. They warned that rates could reach ₹400 per kg in the coming week if supply continues to fall.
At present, live birds in the wholesale market sell at ₹178–₹180 each. Dressed chicken with skin costs around ₹290 per kg, while skinless chicken sells at ₹310 per kg. Retail shops add another ₹20–₹30 per kg.
Traders said the price surge is mainly due to supply falling short of demand.
Poultry firms cut chick supply after losses
Poultry companies supply chicks to farmers across the state and move a new batch to sheds every 45 days. Last year, companies transported large numbers of chicks, but many birds died after bird flu outbreaks during the same season.
Feed costs also increased, causing losses for poultry firms.
This year, bird flu outbreaks in several districts of Andhra Pradesh have killed large numbers of birds. Fearing a similar outbreak in Telangana due to changing weather, poultry companies have reduced chick supply as a precaution.
In the Kothakota area of Wanaparthy district, companies supplied 5.80 lakh chicks to farms in January. After 45 days, a viral infection killed nearly 3 lakh birds.
Due to these losses, companies have sharply cut chick supply. Farmers said a shed that normally receives 20,000 chicks is now getting fewer than 10,000. Some poultry from the state is also being transported to the Rayalaseema region.
Demand rises during Ramzan and weddings
Demand for chicken has increased with Ramzan and the wedding season beginning. Large quantities of chicken dishes are served at such events, making chicken a key non-vegetarian item at functions.
Consumers said rising prices are adding to household expenses. Traders fear the situation could continue until April and May, pushing prices even higher.
Poultry deaths reported in Wanaparthy village
Poultry farmers in Wanaparthy district are worried after chickens died due to a respiratory disease locally called “kokkera”.
Around 3,000 birds died in a poultry shed belonging to a farmer in Peddagudem village of Wanaparthy mandal. The farm owner disposed of the carcasses in a forest valley near the Pebbair road.
Officials from the animal husbandry department inspected the site and confirmed that the birds died due to the disease.
Daytime temperatures have risen sharply in the past week, worrying poultry farmers. The daytime temperature has increased from 27°C four days ago to about 36°C.
“While the day is very hot, nights are still cold. Due to these weather changes, chickens are dying. Even medicines are not saving them, and we are unable to recover even feed costs,” said poultry farmer Chandra Reddy from Maddelabeedu village in Narayanpet district.
Officials send rapid response teams
District Animal Husbandry Officer Venkateshwara Reddy said rapid response teams are being sent to poultry farms.
“In summer, broiler chickens are prone to respiratory disease. We visited the farm where birds died and are sending teams to other areas. Samples from infected birds will be sent to laboratories to identify the cause,” he said.
Veterinary doctors said the respiratory disease mainly affects broiler chickens. Broilers are usually ready for meat in about 45 days, while layer birds can remain in sheds for up to 18 months.
Farmers said chicken and egg consumption usually drops in summer. If birds die during this period, losses increase. Poultry sheds are often cooled in summer to protect birds, but chicks eat less feed during heat, reducing weight gain and egg production.
