The outlook for U.S. poultry producers for 2015 is strong, says Rabobank in a report on the industry around the world. Producers in the United States and Brazil “could benefit from ongoing bullish market conditions such as strong demand, low feed costs and high competing meat prices, and therefore capture some export market share from EU and Canada,” affected by avian influenza, said a Rabobank statement. “A key concern for the coming months is the spread of avian flu, which has become a global issue in recent months.” It said producers “need to prepare for ongoing disease pressure, especially during times of bird migration.”
Broiler prices are forecast by USDA to average $1.05 a pound for 2014 and $1.04 in 2015, up a nickel from 2013, with per-capita poultry consumption rising while beef falls slightly and pork holds steady. Americans are estimated to consume 201.7 pounds of meat per person this year and 202.3 pounds per person in 2015. That’s roughly nine ounces per person per day.
The European Food Safety Authority says materials contaminated by infected wild birds may have contributed to spread of the disease in Germany, the Netherlands and England, says MeatPoultry.com. The H5N8 virus has been reported in South Korea, Japan and China as well as Europe. A report by EFSA said the point of entry by the virus into Europe is uncertain. The report called for improved biosecurity practices and for surveillance of wild birds in high-risk areas.