Mexico counts the cost of HPAI

The H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Mexico which has lasted over two years has resulted in the collective death or depletion of 28 million broilers, breeders, and laying hens, according to the president of the Association of Poultry Processors (UNA) of Mexico, Gorge Gracia de la Cadena.

The industry will now spend over $300 million this year on vaccination measures and to improve biosecurity.

Part of the high cost of the infection resulted from severe losses in the laying industry which is highly concentrated in the Los Altos region of Jalisco state creating a vulnerability to epornitic infections.

According to UNA per capita consumption of eggs has attained 350 and poultry meat is an important source of protein with annual consumption of 29 kilos per person.

Source: Egg-cite