Bird flu outbreaks in the US: implications for international poultry trade

In recent months, the world has once again faced the threat of avian influenza, which has resurfaced in the United States . Increased cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in states such as Minnesota, Iowa, and North Carolina have led to the imposition of import restrictions on American poultry products in several countries. The Hong Kong Center for Food Safety (CFS) has already suspended the import of poultry meat and poultry products, including eggs , from the United States.

Causes and Scale of Outbreaks:

According to information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), APA outbreaks have affected not only commercial poultry farms but also domestic poultry in states such as New Mexico and Colorado. This raises serious concerns for both producers and consumers, as the virus can spread rapidly and threaten not only the health of birds but also food safety.

Currently, restrictions have been imposed in 38 U.S. states, threatening not only the domestic market but also international trade relations. The lack of transparent information about the measures taken by the US veterinary service to control and eliminate outbreaks only exacerbates the situation and causes discontent in other countries.

International Community Response

In response to the avian influenza outbreaks, Rosselkhoznadzor ( Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) imposed restrictions on the import and transit of all US poultry products effective July 24, 2024. This decision, although not fully affecting the Russian market due to the food embargo in place since 2014, still has significant consequences, as US poultry products can transit through Russia to other countries.

The ban applies to the following products:
- Live poultry and hatching eggs ;
- Poultry meat , including processed products;
- Eggs and egg products.

This decision demonstrates a serious approach to ensuring food safety and protecting public health.

Potential market impacts

Restrictions on the import of US poultry products could lead to increased prices for poultry meat and eggs in countries that rely on US imports. This could also spark increased interest in local producers, which in turn could help develop domestic production.

Furthermore, prolonged restrictions could negatively impact the reputation of American producers internationally, requiring them to make additional efforts to restore trust in their products. Importantly, such outbreaks not only impact the economy but also public opinion about food safety.

Avian influenza outbreaks in the United States pose a serious challenge to global poultry trade. The introduction of restrictions on imports and transit of products from the United States highlights the importance of food safety oversight and the need for transparency in government actions. It is crucial for consumers to remain informed about the situation, and for producers to adapt to the new conditions to minimize the impact of the crisis.