Avian Disease Outbreak in Syria Raises Concerns Amid Official Assurances

Syria's poultry sector is currently experiencing a crisis, marked by a significant number of bird deaths across various provinces, including rural Damascus, Homs, Hama, Latakia, and parts of Aleppo and Idlib. Social media platforms have circulated images and videos showcasing thousands of deceased birds, with these incidents being linked to common disease names such as "avian flu" and "Newcastle disease," which has amplified concerns among both farmers and consumers, resulting in increased poultry prices in certain areas.

Substantial Losses for Farmers

Farmers in rural Damascus have reported that mortality rates among young chickens exceed 60%, while egg-laying hens have experienced a productivity decline of approximately 55%. This situation has persisted for nearly a month despite attempts at quarantine and vaccination. Consequently, prices for chicken and eggs have surged, with increases of up to 100 Lira per kilogram noted in regions like Daraa and rural Damascus.

Contradictory Official Statements

In contrast, Fadel Haj Hashem, the General Director of the Poultry Authority, addressed the media, asserting through the state news agency SANA that the sector is free from severe diseases or unusual epidemics, labeling the information circulating on social media as "false and aimed at inciting panic." Hussein Al-Balan, the president of the veterinarians' association, emphasized that the diseases mentioned only affect birds and are not transmissible to humans, confirming that no strains of avian influenza have been detected in Syrian laboratories, thus making poultry consumption safe from a health perspective. However, these official reassurances have not been without contradictions, as the Ministry of Emergencies issued an urgent warning regarding the "avian flu," citing a recent uptick in infections, raising further questions about the transparency of information dissemination and crisis management at this critical time.

Trust Issues Between Farmers and Authorities

The ongoing situation in Syria's poultry sector highlights a significant disconnect between the realities observed by local farmers and the narratives put forth by official sources. As prices continue to rise, placing additional strain on citizens, the question remains whether the sector can withstand this wave of challenges, whether due to seasonal diseases or a potential epidemic that all parties seem reluctant to address for economic and political reasons.