UK implements “flockdown” measures
Measures to keep all poultry and captive birds indoors came into force in the UK today (Monday 7th November) to prevent the spread of bird flu. This follows news that the UK is facing the largest bird flu outbreak since last October, with more than 200 confirmed cases on more than 90 farms.
More bird flu in the US & Mexico
The USDA reported HPAI was confirmed in a flock of 8,500 commercial turkeys in Stearns County on November 1. This is his 12th occurrence of HPAI in commercial turkeys in the county this year. In addition to 77 cases from commercial flocks, 28 backyard poultry flocks in Minnesota have been infected with his HPAI. Turkey’s production is estimated to have declined between the end of 2022 and 2023 due to new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Mexico has confirmed the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial farm of 60,000 birds in the state of Nuevo Leon, close to the US border.
Egypt runs out of Dollars & feed
A severe shortage of dollars forced Egypt to cut imports, leading to feed shortages and causing Egyptian poultry farmers to cull chicks. This exacerbated the ongoing food crisis, pushing up prices for chicken and eggs. Some poultry feed imports have finally been released.
Egypt needs 500,000 tons of imported corn and 250,000 tons of soybeans every month to meet the demand for chickens in this country. To import that amount, the union would need $340 million each month. The poultry industry employs about 10% of Egypt’s workers.
Ukraine grain exports down 30.7% this year
Ukraine has so far exported about 14.3 million tonnes of grain in the 2022/23 season, down 30.7% from the 20.6 million tonnes exported at the same stage last season. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February and closed Black Sea ports, raising global food prices and raising fears of shortages in Africa and the Middle East. Three ports on the Black Sea opened in late July under a Moscow-Kyiv deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.
Nigeria poultry industry is collapsing
Nigeria’s poultry industry is on the brink of collapse. The average price of feed ingredients has risen more than 168% in the last three years. Nigeria’s poultry meat consumption in 2021 was estimated to exceed 200,000 tonnes, which increased by 4.5% compared to 2019. Demand for poultry meat in Nigeria is a major source of protein for more than 200 million people, leading to increased demand for feed from domestic poultry producers. Unfortunately, high feed prices in Nigeria have left producers cash strapped in poultry production, with most complaining that profits are not enough to sustain their business.
Inflation update
In the 12 weeks to 30 October 2022, takeout grocery sales in the UK increased 5.2%, the fastest market growth rate since April 2021.
Last but not least, USDA announces $223 million in grant, loans for US meat, poultry processing.
