March 8, 2024

UK reopens poultry market for Argentina

The UK has decided to reopen its market for poultry meat and products to Argentina, after a suspension in 2023 due to avian influenza outbreaks, AviNews reported.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officially notified Argentina's National Agricultural Health and Quality Service (Senasa) of the lifting of restrictions, recognising Argentina's self-declaration as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The British decision comes following assurances from Senasa regarding the safety of poultry meat imports from Argentina, eliminating any perceived risk associated with the entry of fresh meat and poultry products.

Government officials hailed the reopening as a testament to collaborative efforts between Senasa, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which continue to yield positive outcomes for the country's poultry export sector.

The UK's recognition holds significant importance for Argentina as it sets a crucial precedent for the reopening of other major markets, including China and Chile, which are vital customers for Argentine poultry exports.

Prior to the market closure in April 2023 due to avian influenza, Senasa certified the export of 272 tonnes of poultry products to the United Kingdom. The suspension of key markets led to a notable decline in Argentine poultry meat exports, dropping from 227,247 tons in 2022 to 160,585 tons in 2023.

The decrease in export volume also impacted foreign currency earnings, as exporters navigated challenges by redirecting merchandise to lower-value destinations and accepting reduced prices.

In response to the avian influenza outbreaks, Senasa implemented comprehensive sanitary measures, submitting detailed documentation to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to reinforce Argentina's status as a disease-free country.

-      AviNews