BIRD FLU CULLS AND FEARS SPUR SALES OF BUSH MEAT IN IVORY COAST

RATS, HEDGEHOGS, ANTELOPES, RODENTS AND MUSHROOMS FILL THE VOID

Markets in Abdijan, Ivory Coast, are seeing a surge of sales in interest in 'bush meat', as fears of infected chickens and widespread culls have reduced poultry to an expensive rarity for locals.

Ivory Coast veterinary authorities have confirmed the presence of the much-feared and deadly H5N1 virus in the region, and a two year old girl is now ill with bird flu, the first human infection in the sub-Saharan area. The virus has been found in seven West African countries, so far.

So chicken is out for millions and rodents, snails, antelopes and crunchy-fired hedgehog is in.

Mushroom sales are booming as well, which dieticians say is a good thing indeed, as mushrooms make a good substitute for chicken and eggs.

In some areas, demand for chicken is one third what it was a few months ago. Instead of going out of business, poultry farmers and market vendors are turning to the alternative meats to stay alive, and in business.

"There is a kind of obsession about bird flu," A Chadian sociologist told Reuters, "but some people are still eating chicken, saying that only God can end a man's life on earth. That's African fatalism,"

Go here for the full report from Reuters.