Bird flu-affected chickens

Lao authorities say they will increase compensation payment to poultry farmers in 211 villages around Vientiane who were order to cull their birds by March 15, from 50% to 60% of the damage costs.

The decision was made after many farmers have expressed unhappiness and shown reluctance to comply with the order because they feel they have not received adequate compensation.

Since February, over 130,000 chickens and ducks in the Vientiane area have been culled, and almost 300,000 duck and chicken eggs destroyed. Over 500,000 birds from the Vientiane area alone have been slaughtered since the first bird flu outbreak hit the country in late 2004.

The shortage of poultry have driven meat prices up 20%, with pork costing around 28,000 kip/kilo, and beef around 36,000 Kip a kilo.

Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.