Pune: The poultry industry in Maharashtra has suffered significant losses due to growing fears surrounding Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Amid rising concerns, the daily chicken sales have dropped by nearly 400 metric tons, causing chicken prices to plummet by ₹15-₹20 per kilogram. The impact is particularly severe on small-scale poultry farmers, who were already struggling due to losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the past one and a half months, cases of GBS have increased in certain villages. Initially, it was suspected that the disease was caused by contaminated water, but no definitive cause has been identified.
As a precaution, the Animal Husbandry Department collected samples from 11 poultry farms and sent them to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for analysis. The test results detected Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and Norovirus, but experts stated that Campylobacter jejuni naturally exists in chicken intestines and other animals. Despite these clarifications, public fear has led to a drastic reduction in chicken consumption, causing serious financial losses for poultry farmers.
Impact on the Poultry Industry
Daily chicken sales have declined from 2,000 metric tons to 1,600 metric tons.
Chicken prices have fallen from ₹85-₹90 per kg to ₹65-₹70 per kg.
Small poultry farmers, who rely on daily sales, are the most affected.
Maharashtra has 280 major poultry businesses, 130 of which are based in Pune.
The Animal Husbandry Department has assured that GBS is not a contagious disease and has no direct link to poultry consumption.
Well-cooked chicken is completely safe to eat, and there is no risk if meat is properly cooked. Authorities advise boiling water, cleaning vegetables and meat thoroughly, and ensuring all food is fully cooked before consumption.
Dr. Prasanna Pedgaonkar, Secretary of the Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association, stated: "Indian consumers generally cook meat and eggs thoroughly, which eliminates bacterial risks. Although sales have dropped temporarily, we expect the situation to normalize soon. Currently, the market is operating at 20% reduced supply, which has led to a ₹20 per kg price drop. In the coming days, the poultry business is likely to stabilize."