Though prices of table birds dropped since two weeks ago, some customers were sceptical of news of the possible outbreak of Avian Flu.

The place yesterday, May 26, 2016, was messy in almost all aspects. The people involved in the business like cleaners and vendors, as well as the storage and cleaning facilities, left much to be desired. Clothes and sale points were unkempt, with only profound stench to welcome customers. People suffering from respiratory diseases will definitely be in trouble if they visit the area. The Mvog-Ada Market in Yaounde is the city’s main livestock market, including table birds. It pulls crowds of housewives, cooks and restaurant owners as a result of its affordable table bird or chicken prices.

In the wake of news that H5 Avian Influenza might have broken out in the city – though analysis of the N antigen is still going on - the market atmosphere remained almost the same, although few buyers raised concerns about the disease. Marie Rose Eno almost went home without purchasing the 10 table birds that took her to the market. Talk of the development was almost on all lips, she said, but vendors were able to convince her, stating that the Mvog-Ada Market was not yet in the black list of the disease. However, it is over two weeks that prices of table birds in the market dropped, vendors clarified.

They all pointed accusing fingers at the Mvog-Betsi, Yaounde farm where the disease is thought to have broken out, convincing clients that their supplies come from farms in the West Region where no case has been detected. Persuasive sentences like; “There is no Avian Flu in this market,” “God is with us,” “Our birds are safe,” filled the air on May 26, 2016, as table bird hawkers scrambled for customers, making drama of the Influenza disease.

As it midday, almost seven vehicles of 1,500 table birds each were already emptied. Demand remained stable, though prices witnessed a free fall. Table birds that previously sold for FCFA 12,000 now go for FCFA 8,000 ; while those that were given out at FCFA 8,000 are now sold at between FCFA 3,000 and FCFA 5,000. Some table birds even sold at less than FCFA 2,000. Already slaughtered and cleaned birds that cost an extra FCFA 200 for the job have seen the price taken off.

Antonio Ngouodem placed a 30-litre half-full plastic drum of slaughtered and cleaned chicken at the entrance to the market, begging everyone to give it a try. He was ready to give out some of the birds at FCFA 1,800, with small parts costing FCFA 400. Vendors and other traders nevertheless remained cautious. Beckam and Guy, all bird sellers in the market, said they were keenly watching developments before continuing with the business. Other traders are doing the same.