20,000 Ducks Drop Dead in Beijing Suburb, Bird Flu Suspected

Michael Wester | May 8, 2014 11:30 am | 5 comments | 3810 reads

In news that is sure to set you off your next planned Beijing duck banquet, over 20,000 ducks in a poultry farm in suburban Beijing have died mysteriously in a single week, setting off fears that they might be the victims of bird flu.

The Beijing News reported this morning that tests were underway to determine what's causing the deaths, but results will not be available until tomorrow at the earliest.

Ducks at six farms in the northeastern suburb of Pinggu began experiencing the die-off last week, and as of last night deaths were still increasing. One farmer alone says he's lost 7,200 of the 7,800 ducks on his farm since April 29.

The same farmer said he was due to sell a good chunk of his flock on May 1, and in a little peek into the economics of raising ducks in Beijing, he said he typically sells each duck for between RMB 31 to RMB 33. The basic cost of raising one duck, he said, is about RMB 27.

In a desperate attempt to stop the die-off, another of the farmers claims to have tried 30 different medicines on his ducks, all to no avail.

While the deaths are sad and worrying, with that kind of doping, we're kinda glad these little guys didn't make it – at least we need not worry they'll end up on our plate at our next banquet.

PS: How's about vegetarian tonight?

Images: The Beijing News

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admin's picture admin Submitted by Guest on Tue, 05/13/2014 - 10:25

The latest news is that they're ruled out bird flu, but still not quite sure what has caused the duck die-off.

They've also said that the surviving ducks can be sold and pose no threat to people who consume them. Gulp.

I think I'll stay away from duck for a few months.

 

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The Equalizer's picture The Equalizer Submitted by Guest on Thu, 05/08/2014 - 17:15

Damn, what a waste. If they would have a "duck hunting season" it might have been a paradise for any duck hunters, but on the other hand someone would have to teach the Chinese you do not shoot a duck sitting on the water.

I for one, would pay 35 rmb per duck I was allowed to shoot if it was in the wild environment and then give it back to the farmer to sell to the restaurants.

I'm kinda surprised they missed this business opportunity. they could control and issue the shotguns on a 2 or 3 hour basis, probably even charge for renting them and the shells they could sell for three times the normal price.

Quack...quack quack quack quack...boom. No matter, better stay clear of BJ duck for some weeks because I'm pretty sure some of these ducks will be served up in the restaurants despite the cause of death. It is not being paranoid but prudent, which seems to go a long way in this country so exercise it.

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