International Egg and Poultry Review - By the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - This is a weekly report looking at international developments concerning the poultry industry, this week looking at Egg Production in the EU.

Consumption Egg Production in the European Union

The recently released European Commission’s update to “Prospects for agricultural markets and income 2004-2011 and the impact of enlargement” has revised figures lower for production of consumption eggs in EU-25.

The July 2004 report projected production growth constrained in the EU-15 (old Member States) by higher production costs and lower margins. However, the EU-N10 (new Member States) were expected to gather pace due to relatively favorable production conditions related to a good environment for investment, proximity to important consumer markets and a strong domestic market.

New EU-25 production has been revised downward for 2011, from 6.40 MMT to 6.22 MMT. EU-15 production was revised downward for 2004 through 2011 while EU-N10 projections are slightly higher for 2007 through 2010, and unchanged at 1.14 MMT in 2011. Imports were unchanged at 30,000 MT for 2004 through 2011. Exports were lowered from 15,000 MT to 9,000 MT in 2011.

Consumption was projected to increase at a slower pace for 2007 through 2011, ending at 6.15 MMT rather than 6.28 MMT. Per capita consumption was revised downward, however EU-N10 per capita figures were revised upward from 2004 through 2009 and then lower in 2010 and 2011.

Update on Avian Influenza in Asia

Cambodia discovered an outbreak of HPAI at a small family farm about 12 km south of Phnom Pehn City. Cambodia introduced a temporary ban on the rearing of poultry in the 3-km-diameter quarantine zones around infected farms and the transportation of poultry into and out of quarantine zones.

From January 27 through February 10, 2005, Thailand reported outbreaks of HPAI in 9 districts of five provinces. As of February 15, 2005 six provinces were still under a 21-day surveillance period imposed by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Thailand plans to cull about 2.7 million young free-range ducks to prevent HPAI outbreaks. Ducks are believed to carry the virus without showing clinical signs of the disease. The nomadic nature of free-range farmed ducks can help to spread the disease. Thailand has found a high rate of infection in ducks.

Vietnam has confirmed HPAI in 34 provinces and cities from January 1 through February 15, 2005. Nearly 1.5 million birds, including doves, have died or been culled. On February 7, 2005 the Prime Minister announced a new measure to stop farmers from allowing their ducks to roam freely in canals and rice fields. Vietnam also suspended the breeding of ducks on February 3, 2005.
Source: FAOAIDE News

To view the full report, including tables please click here (PDF Format)

Source: USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - 22nd February 2005