China and Thailand

International broiler trade patterns have changed since the early outbreaks of pathogenic avian influenza in late 2003. In 2002 China exported 438,000 metric tons (MT) of broilers and Thailand’s broiler exports totaled 427,000 MT.

In 2004 China’s exports fell to 241,000 MT and Thailand’s exports were only 200,000 MT. In 2005 China and Thailand’s exports recovered from the lows of 2004 and climbed to 331,000 MT and 240,000 MT respectively.

After countries around the world suspended poultry imports from most countries in Asia due to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, China and Thailand changed their export focus from a raw product to a cooked/prepared product. Thailand’s exports of frozen chicken cuts and offal in 2003 totaled 370,224 MT and cooked exports totaled 127,382 MT.

Thailand’s exports of frozen chicken cuts bottomed at 1,940 MT in 2005 and by 2006 had started to recover. In 2006 frozen chicken cuts and offal totaled 7,962 MT and cooked product exports reached 253,071 MT.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

In January the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations expressed concern about flare-ups of avian influenza in China, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand and Vietnam. Since then Hungary has reported an incidence of HPAI. The number of outbreaks in the first weeks of 2007 are significantly lower than 2006. Cold weather enhances virus survival, but farming systems and wild bird migrations, as well as the movement of animals during important holiday seasons (Lunar New Year, Tet, Eid, etc.) also play a role.

In January Indonesia began a campaign to clear backyard poultry farms in residential areas in ten provinces. Effective January 17, 2007, the Governor of Jakarta gave residents two weeks to sell or cull all poultry (chickens, ducks, swans, quails and pigeons) in the city.

As of February 1, 2007 it will be forbidden to keep birds in residential areas. Other birds kept as pets, for a hobby or raised for research purposes will be allowed; owners would have to obtain a certificate issued free of charge by the animal husbandry office. Poultry markets and slaughter houses will be moved away from residential areas. Indonesia’s backyard poultry population is estimated at about 350 million, with 280 million on Java.

Poultry breeders have resisted the government’s campaign. Poultry farmers and traders in Central Java are threatening protests in Jakarta if the government goes ahead with a plan to start a mass cull.
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; European Commission; news wires

To view the full report, including tables please click here

ThePoultrySite News Desk