‘NO SIGNS OF
Breeder was shocked when his roosters started dying
SULAIMAN JAAFAR PASIR MAS news@nst.com.my
MOHD Zaki Abdul Rahman invested RM250,000 three years ago to start a farm to breed ducks for eggs in Kampung Apa-Apa here, which he expanded recently to raise fighting cocks.
In less than a week, his investment and effort had gone to waste when his roosters, numbering about 300, died from the avian flu recently. Now, his ducks, which totalled more than 7,000, are being culled.
Zaki’s farm is the worst hit among breeders in the state due to the H5N1 outbreak.
The 46-year-old breeder said he started the farm to train his sons — Mohd Hakimi Azrul, 20, Mohd Hakimi Azuan, 19, and Mohd Hakimi Akmal, 18 — in business and to survive on their own besides becoming role models to other youth in the district.
“The farm has been doing quite well, making about RM10,000 a month from the duck eggs. I took over the breeding of fighting cocks from a friend only about a month ago as they promised a better return.
“The roosters were not brought in from Thailand but were bred locally. Each could be sold for more than RM100, depending on its features and fighting prowess.”
He said there was no sign of the chickens being infected with any disease and he was shocked when about 20 roosters fell from the coop on Saturday, followed by the rest.
Zaki said he knew that they were down with the avian flu and called the Veterinary Department.
He said the department officers came to the farm and started culling the birds on Monday. The exercise is ongoing.
“There’s no regret and I won’t cry over it as it is fated.
“I hope to start afresh slowly from the compensation received and, hopefully, some assistance from the government.
“The farm will grow again, this time bigger and better.”