In W40 in the chicken-egg landscape, Argentine poultry farming is facing a significant challenge in 2023 due to the avian flu outbreak. It began with wild birds in Jujuy province in Feb-23, subsequently spreading to commercial poultry farms, impacting 18 establishments and around 2.2 million birds over five months. Argentina temporarily lost its avian flu-free status, resulting in halted exports. However, outbreaks were controlled by Aug-23, and the country regained its avian flu-free status.
Furthermore, Argentina's layer production comprised 51.62 million birds and experienced notable growth of 8.46% year-on-year (YoY) in Dec-22, equivalent to an increase of 4.12 million units. In 2022, the country produced 15.29 billion units of eggs, with 96.8% intended for domestic consumption and 3.2% for international markets. Eggs are a valuable commodity in the regional economy and are exported to over 50 international markets. Argentina currently has over 1,000 layer farms operating across 18 provinces, with the highest concentrations in Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Salta.
South Africa is facing chicken eggs and poultry shortages due to the bird flu epidemic. Retail chains have imposed restrictions, limiting customers to buying no more than six eggs, but these measures have yet to stabilize the egg market. The outbreak has resulted in the culling of 7.5 million chickens, primarily in Gauteng province. As the festive season approaches, the scarcity of chicken and eggs intensifies, with warnings from poultry breeders and distributors about supply problems. Egg supplies are particularly affected due to complex import processes. Recent reports highlight consumers' struggles to find these essential protein sources in stores, causing panic among South African consumers.
Established in Chile in 2015, the Wetland Biosafety Programme, has allocated over USD 1.30 million to combating avian influenza, resulting in no positive cases reported among 167 small poultry producers in 2023. Collaboration with the University of Chile and the La Semilla Foundation has led to significant improvements in poultry facilities, with some experiencing up to a 400% increase in egg production. The program is recognized for its vital role in disease prevention and positive influence on the poultry market. It was initiated in response to the avian influenza outbreak in the United States (US), aiming to protect domestic birds near wetlands, where both migratory and resident wild birds reside, thereby preventing disease transmission to the poultry industry.