Poultry industry needs urgent help.

The authorities are responsible for providing necessary aid, says an article in the Beijing Youth Daily (excerpts below).

Bird flu is hitting sales of chickens and it's understandable that many people are afraid of eating poultry.

Without effective policies and measures by the government, the entire industry will be undermined and many workers will face uncertainty.

Local authorities should try to help the industry and individual merchants, instead of watching them go bankrupt. And the government should remind the public that it is safe to eat chicken.

As to the epidemic, the poultry industry is vulnerable and have few avenues left to protect their interests.

The government has a responsibility to provide all necessary aid to help the industry fight against the disaster.