Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DHAKA1864
2006-04-04 09:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:
AVIAN INFLUENZA: BDG STOPS, THEN AUCTIONS,
how-toVZCZCXRO1464 PP RUEHHM RUEHLN RUEHPB DE RUEHKA #1864 0940926 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 040926Z APR 06 FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6654 INFO RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 7683 RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 7380 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 1058 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 8473 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 9003 RUEHGO/AMEMBASSY RANGOON 2448 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 0241 RUEHCI/AMCONSUL CALCUTTA
UNCLAS DHAKA 001864
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
SEOUL FOR APHIS ANDY BALL
NEW DELHI FOR FAS MICHAEL RIEDEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR TBIO AMED AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: BDG STOPS, THEN AUCTIONS,
SMUGGLED INDIAN CHICKS
UNCLAS DHAKA 001864
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
SEOUL FOR APHIS ANDY BALL
NEW DELHI FOR FAS MICHAEL RIEDEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR TBIO AMED AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: BDG STOPS, THEN AUCTIONS,
SMUGGLED INDIAN CHICKS
1. Bangladesh has made strides in its plans to prepare
against an eventual AI outbreak. A recent case in Rajshahi
suggests that more than mere planning is necessary, as
customs agents reportedly auctioned off thousands of smuggled
Indian chicks that the border patrol forces successfully
interdicted.
2. The infamous porous borders of Bangladesh allow for all
sorts of trade on the grey market. Baby chickens are no
exception. The threat of avian influenza has not stopped
some poultry farmers from bringing banned Indian chick stocks
across the border to be raised and sold. Although Bangladesh
has significant domestic chick production capacity, prices
are higher than in India, creating economic opportunities for
smugglers.
3. The Home Ministry's Joint Secretary for Borders, Mr.
Harun Chowdhury, told the Embassy that Bangladesh Rifles
(BDR),the border patrol forces, have been ordered to
increase their vigilance against the chick smugglers.
Several caches of Indian chicks have been smuggled into
Bangladesh; more than 15,000 were stopped by the BDR this
week alone. Chowdhury stated that BDR practice is to destroy
all contraband.
4. Press reports from Rajshahi, however, indicate that
customs officials have sold banned chicks at auction,
following their seizure by the BDR. Poultry farmers in that
area are calling for a "crack down" on smuggling in order to
keep their own stocks healthy.
BUTENIS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
SEOUL FOR APHIS ANDY BALL
NEW DELHI FOR FAS MICHAEL RIEDEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR TBIO AMED AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: BDG STOPS, THEN AUCTIONS,
SMUGGLED INDIAN CHICKS
1. Bangladesh has made strides in its plans to prepare
against an eventual AI outbreak. A recent case in Rajshahi
suggests that more than mere planning is necessary, as
customs agents reportedly auctioned off thousands of smuggled
Indian chicks that the border patrol forces successfully
interdicted.
2. The infamous porous borders of Bangladesh allow for all
sorts of trade on the grey market. Baby chickens are no
exception. The threat of avian influenza has not stopped
some poultry farmers from bringing banned Indian chick stocks
across the border to be raised and sold. Although Bangladesh
has significant domestic chick production capacity, prices
are higher than in India, creating economic opportunities for
smugglers.
3. The Home Ministry's Joint Secretary for Borders, Mr.
Harun Chowdhury, told the Embassy that Bangladesh Rifles
(BDR),the border patrol forces, have been ordered to
increase their vigilance against the chick smugglers.
Several caches of Indian chicks have been smuggled into
Bangladesh; more than 15,000 were stopped by the BDR this
week alone. Chowdhury stated that BDR practice is to destroy
all contraband.
4. Press reports from Rajshahi, however, indicate that
customs officials have sold banned chicks at auction,
following their seizure by the BDR. Poultry farmers in that
area are calling for a "crack down" on smuggling in order to
keep their own stocks healthy.
BUTENIS