March 22, 2006

Turkish poultry sector still suffering from bird flu

The poultry sector in Turkey is still suffering from consumer concerns about the bird flu, according to USDA's Mar 15 report on Turkish poultry and products. 

The bird flu outbreak in Turkey continues at a reduced pace. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported that the bird flu has been confirmed in 151 locations in 28 provinces throughout Turkey. However, only one outbreak has been detected in a small-scale commercial poultry flock. All the other outbreaks were detected in backyard poultry flocks.

Implementing strict quarantine measures, the Turkish government was successful in eliminating the virus in 64 of the 151 affected locations. More than 8,000 birds have died from the virus and almost 2.3 million birds have been called since the first outbreak in October 2005.

The government has announced several programs to help the poultry industry, such as compensating the sector for the culling of birds.

Consumption of poultry products is beginning to recover from the sharp fall since the first outbreak. However, USDA estimates currently that poultry meat and egg consumption is still 30-40 percent below last year's levels. Prices of poultry meat and eggs are currently about equal to the cost of production and are expected to increase during the next few weeks.

For the full USDA report, click here.