March 10, 2004

US Bird Flu Impact Negligible

The outbreak of bird flu in the Unites States is yet to have a devastating impact on its domestic poultry industry. Despite the slaughter of more than 400,000 chickens infected with the flu in the past month in five states, and bans on U.S. poultry exports by 37 countries and the European Union, officials say, the industry remains healthy, and the consumer impact invisible, because the total number of sick birds is relatively small.

But they warn that financial pressure could increase if more cases are found or the bans continue.

"I just don't know if anyone has a good handle on impacts," said Toby Moore, a spokesman for the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council. "About 15 or 16 percent of the total U.S. chicken production is exported. Much of that completely shut down, but that's not to say it's nonexistent. ... I don't think anyone is going out of business just yet."