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The Bird Flu Outbreak is “Robust”

The bird flu outbreak in the United States has been identified as a serious outbreak.

What is H5N1?

• H5N1 is a fast-mutating, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus affecting multiple bird species.

• It’s considered a significant pandemic threat due to its epizootic and panzootic nature.

• This emergent strain of H5N1 from 2008 is genetically different from other H5N1strains, leading to unprecedented global spread.

• It has been found and host by different species posing risk to both avian and potentially human health.

The virus has been detected in dairy herds in five states, including Texas, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Idaho, and unpasteurized milk from sick cattle has tested positive for the virus.

The largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S., Cal-Maine Foods, has temporarily halted production at one of its facilities after bird flu was detected there, resulting in the loss of about 1.9 million chickens.

Impacts cause to the Industry:

1. Widespread Impact: Approximately 1.96 million birds have been culled in California in January 2024 alone, significantly affecting the poultry industry.

2. Geographical Spread: The virus has been detected in dairy herds across Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Texas, showing the wide reach of this outbreak.

3. Economic and Supply Concerns: The outbreak has led to concerns over egg prices due to disruptions in poultry production. The poultry industry is working to eradicate the virus from barns and manage the supply impact, leading to an increase in egg prices.

4. Human Infection from Mammal: This outbreak includes the first known instance of a human catching bird flu from a mammal, highlighting unique transmission concerns.

5. Public Risk Remains Low: Despite the transmission case, the risk to the general public is considered low, with the virus being well-studied over the past two decades.

6. Preventative Actions: Measures are in place to prevent infected eggs from entering the food supply, with farmworkers advised to take precautions, especially those working with cattle in affected states.

What about Exports and Global Trading?

The bird flu outbreak has affected several countries, particularly those with significant poultry industries. The avian flu outbreak in the U.S. presents significant challenges to the global poultry industry, with potential shifts in pricing, consumption patterns, and trading dynamics as countries adjust to the implications of reduced U.S. chicken exports.

Implications of US avian flu outbreak to other countries:

• Significant U.S. Impact: The avian flu outbreak has led to the culling of tens of millions of chickens in the U.S., affecting domestic production and potentially reducing the country's ability to export chicken.

• Global Market Implications: The reduction in U.S. chicken exports may create a gap in the global market, impacting countries that depend on these imports for price stability and supply.

   Price Increases: As a major player in global poultry trade, a decrease in U.S. chicken exports due to the outbreak could drive up meat prices worldwide, affecting global meat consumption and trading patterns .

• Dependence and Disruption: Countries heavily reliant on U.S. chicken imports could face significant price implications and supply disruptions, should the outbreak cause a substantial decrease in U.S. chicken exports

• Stricter Regulations and Surveillance: The outbreak may lead other countries to implement more stringent import regulations and surveillance measures to prevent the spread of avian flu, potentially affecting global trading patterns and supply chains.

• Seeking Alternatives: Affected countries might look for alternative sources for chicken imports to mitigate the impact of reduced U.S. exports, further influencing global poultry market dynamics and supply chain operations.

🥩Quick Q about The Meat Traders’ Journal

You've seen my newsletter insights breaking down the latest meat market trends and policy updates. But behind the scenes, I'm preparing even more valuable intel to revolutionize your meat trading strategies.

Prime Buying Opportunities: How can we better assist you in identifying and leveraging prime buying times in the meat market?

^{Navigating the Meat Trading Landscape Together}

In our upcoming editions, we're diving deep to address the critical questions that shape your success in the meat trading industry. Here’s a preview of the key inquiries we're tackling to help optimize your operations and strategy:

1. Prime Buying Opportunities: How can you identify the most opportune moments to buy in the meat market, ensuring you get the best deals and quality?

2. Cold Chain Management: How can you enhance your cold chain logistics to improve traceability and maintain the highest quality from farm to table?

4. Leveraging Market Analysis: How can market analysis and forecasts be used to make informed decisions that will impact your bottom line positively?

5. Building Strategic Partnerships: What are the keys to forming and maintaining strong partnerships with suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the meat industry?

6. Embracing Industry Innovations: How can you stay ahead by adopting the latest trends and innovations in meat trading, such as sustainability practices or alternative proteins?

My goal is to provide you with insights and strategies to answer these questions, enabling you to move through the intricacies of the meat industry with the assurance and achievement.

One last thing…

We all know how challenging is to secure viable and trustful LEADS… wouldn’t you agree?

3 ways MTH can help when You are Ready:

✅Your Supply and Purchasing Advisor 1:1 (30 minutes Strategy Session)

✅I create win-win partnerships across the world

✅On-line/off-line Sales Training sessions to elevate your Global sales team