UK Poultry Industry Holds Its Breath

UK - With 50,000 people estimated to earn some form of living from poultry farming in England it is clear bird flu poses a potentially significant economic threat.

Data about the industry is fragmented, something which has frustrated experts and policymakers as they prepare for a potential outbreak and gauge its likely effects.

All farmers with more than 50 birds must disclose stock levels for a national register by Wednesday, a move widely applauded by farmers.

Available statistics show the industry is a major one in European terms.

UK farmers produced 1.6 million tonnes of poultry meat in 2004, second only to France in the European Union.

Exports were worth £247m in 2004, according to the British Poultry Council.

Source: BBC

1 March 2006