Avian Flu Outbreak Forces Slaughter of 350,000 Layers in Poblet
June 22, 2023 | 04:30 | Print Edition
The health crisis caused by avian flu has reached the Region, resulting in the slaughter of 350,000 laying hens at an egg production farm in the town of Poblet. This drastic measure was ordered by Senasa, the national body responsible for approving a vaccine that could protect around 50 million birds across the country, including millions concentrated in fifty farms in La Plata.
According to the Association of Poultry Producers of the South (Apasur), this is one of the most shocking mass slaughters since the emergency began last summer. The total number of birds slaughtered has already reached 1.5 million, with controversial cases like the one in Corrientes where the Justice system intervened to challenge the agency’s decision to kill 200,000 chickens and destroy 360,000 eggs.
The Poblet farm, which had approximately 290,000 layers and 60,000 replacement chicks, used to produce about 18,000 dozen eggs per day. However, none of that will remain after the carbon dioxide container passes through the facility.
“This slaughter is part of the protocol when there is a positive case of influenza. It is currently being carried out daily,” stated Luis Berteiro, president of Apasur. He also mentioned that the farm will suffer significant financial losses and will need to undergo a period of disinfection controlled by Senasa before the repopulation process can begin. The entire cycle is expected to take around 8 months, causing great hardship for the firm and its twenty employees.
In addition to the farm, the suppliers associated with the establishment will also face losses. Although their information has not been disclosed, it is known that the farm is located near Route 36 and the owners recently relocated from El Peligro to minimize sanitary risks due to the high population density in the north of the city.
Apasur believes that this situation could have been avoided if Senasa had approved the vaccine. “Unfortunately, the disease is becoming endemic. Apasur’s position is to urge Senasa to grant approval,” said the manager. He also mentioned that there are different laboratories with the vaccine, but its usage requires Senasa’s authorization, which is currently undergoing studies and consultations in the scientific community.
Furthermore, poultry producers are concerned about potential objections from countries that do not accept vaccinated products for export.
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350,000 laying hens were slaughtered due to an avian flu outbreak in the town of Poblet. The national body responsible for approving a vaccine has ordered this measure to protect millions of birds across the country. This mass slaughter adds to the total number of birds already culled, which has reached 1.5 million.
What is the impact of the avian flu outbreak in Poblet on the local and national poultry industries?
The avian flu outbreak in Poblet can have a significant impact on both the local and national poultry industries. Here are some potential impacts:
1. Loss of poultry population: Avian flu can lead to the loss of a significant number of birds due to mortality or culling to prevent further spread of the disease. This can result in a reduced supply of poultry products in the local and national markets.
2. Economic losses: The outbreak can result in substantial economic losses for the poultry industry, including farmers, processors, and distributors. The loss of birds, reduced production, and increased biosecurity measures can lead to financial burdens for businesses in the industry.
3. Reduced consumer demand: The avian flu outbreak may also lead to a decrease in consumer demand for poultry products, as people become concerned about the safety of consuming poultry. This can further impact the profitability of poultry businesses.
4. Export restrictions: In some cases, countries may impose restrictions or bans on the import of poultry products from areas affected by avian flu. This can have a significant impact on the national poultry industry, as it limits access to international markets and potential revenue streams.
5. Reinforcement of biosecurity measures: The outbreak can encourage the implementation of stricter biosecurity measures in the local and national poultry industries. This can increase costs for businesses, but also improve long-term disease prevention and control efforts.
6. Government intervention: The government may need to intervene by providing financial support, implementing control measures, or coordinating efforts to control the outbreak. This can have implications for public spending and policy decisions related to the poultry industry.
Overall, the avian flu outbreak in Poblet can cause significant disruption and negative consequences for the local and national poultry industries, leading to decreased production, economic losses, reduced demand, and the need for increased biosecurity measures.
