AI not stopping Mexican poultry industry growth

Mexican poultry production continues to climb even in the face of additional avian influenza outbreaks, a US Gain report states.

The forecast of Mexican commercial broiler meat production for 2014 is 3.05 million metric tons (MMT) as the sector’s continued consolidation along with improved production systems has enabled the industry to overcome the challenges of the 2012 and 2013 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks across the country.

Sources continue emphasising that the 2012 HPAI outbreak in the State of Jalisco had minimal effect on commercial broiler meat production and product availability as the problems were largely isolated to layer operations. Implementation of biosecurity programs and other measures to support the progenitor sector has been an essential to maintaining production growth.

Mexican broiler producers are optimistic that full recovery is possible by the end of 2013 or early 2014 provided that they are isolated against any potential new AI outbreaks.

The Mexican Government has launched biosecurity campaigns to increase awareness of the benefits of enhanced measures while also requesting the industry to implement additional surveillance to preserve and protect the flock health.

Source: USDA Gain Report