COVID-19: Flights Ban, Poultry Industry Could Be Grossly Hit – IPC Cautioned

The International Poultry Council (IPC) has called on the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Food and Agriculture (FAO)and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to support the poultry industry and ensure its sustainable functioning.

The IPC is concerned that poultry production may be affected now, due to disruption in the delivery of breeding stock to some countries.

Following the issuance of travel ban by countries on each other in bid to curtail the spread of Corona virus, it has been speculated that the poultry industry could be grossly hit.  A halt in airline movement does imply absence of breeding stock and hatching eggs, IPC cautioned.

In the short term, the welfare of poultry birds may be affected and subsequently, this can lead to food insecurity in the long run. To avoid this, the IPC recommended that actions be taken to ensure continuance of flight conveying breeding materials for poultry production.