In news that is sure to set you off your next planned Beijing duck banquet, over 20,000 ducks in a poultry farm in suburban Beijing have died mysteriously in a single week, setting off fears that they might be the victims of bird flu.

The Beijing News reported this morning that tests were underway to determine what’s causing the deaths, but results will not be available until tomorrow at the earliest.

Ducks at six farms in the northeastern suburb of Pinggu began experiencing the die-off last week, and as of last night deaths were still increasing. One farmer alone says he’s lost 7,200 of the 7,800 ducks on his farm since April 29.

The same farmer said he was due to sell a good chunk of his flock on May 1, and in a little peek into the economics of raising ducks in Beijing, he said he typically sells each duck for between RMB 31 to RMB 33. The basic cost of raising one duck, he said, is about RMB 27.

In a desperate attempt to stop the die-off, another of the farmers claims to have tried 30 different medicines on his ducks, all to no avail.

While the deaths are sad and worrying, with that kind of doping, we’re kinda glad these little guys didn’t make it – at least we need not worry they’ll end up on our plate at our next banquet.

PS: How’s about vegetarian tonight?

Images: The Beijing News