Industry News

30 Countries Ban U.S. Poultry Products Due to Bird Flu

January 13, 2015


    In response to the isolated incidences of H5N8 avian influenza found in Oregon and H5N2 avian flu in California and Washington state, 30 countries have banned certain U.S. poultry and egg products.  On Monday January 13, 2015, China officially banned all U.S. poultry products.  The USA Poultry and Egg Export Council believes China’s ban violates the World Organization for Animal Health rules because the outbreaks were isolated instances.  Additionally, the outbreak did not take place near major poultry producing areas.  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revealed that there was one flock of 100 birds in Oregon containing the flu, which has been quarantined.  Back in December, APHIS commented, “There is no immediate public health concern as the H5N8 virus has been found in birds in other parts of the world and has not caused any human infection to date.”  The U.S. poultry market could be significantly harmed by these bans.  From January 2014 to November 2014, the U.S. exported $272 million worth of chicken, turkey and duck products.  

For more information, please continue to visit www.barnesrichardson.com.