The recent avian or bird flu scare in some European countries is proving to be problematic to businesses in and outside of the UK. Italian farmers, for instance, are in a frenzy to export their chickens outside of the country, such as in the UK, given concerns over avian flu in their home country. On the local front, cheap imports are being substituted for local poultry supplies, hence hurting local poultry farmers, who are forced to lower prices to compete with the imports.
The spread of the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus in Germany, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece and Slovenia, has brought much concern to the business and political community in the country. On the political front, citizens are being asked not to fear the virus, and keep on purchasing chicken—as cooked chicken is perfectly safe. Government is also concerned about what could happen if the human variety of the virus turns into a worldwide pandemic.
Business solutions and company formation experts are optimistic that the UK business environment will normalize after the avian flu scare, noting that the foremost weapon against epidemics or pandemics is education.