"We are naked": egg producers asked to start vaccination to stop the spread of avian influenza
Egg producers in Argentina are urging the government to implement a vaccination program against avian influenza to protect local production from being significantly impacted by the disease.
In response to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Argentina, which has led to partial export bans, the Argentine Chamber of Poultry Producers (Capia) has revived calls for a vaccination program. This urgent request is aimed at national authorities to swiftly establish a strategic vaccination plan to prevent further outbreaks. Capia argues that the previous stance of avoiding vaccination has become outdated, leading to a risk of bankruptcy for primary producers due to the escalating situation.
Capia highlights that nearly 95% of the country's poultry production is now at risk due to decreased exports. They stress that there is a disturbing imbalance in decision-making, as prioritizing external markets for fresh poultry exports—representing merely 5.25% of national production—threatens the stability of 94.75% of the production that is meant for domestic consumption. This call to action stresses the need for the government to reconsider its policies in favor of supporting the local industry, which is facing significant challenges from the spread of avian influenza.
The organization points out that while European Union countries are advancing with vaccination measures, Argentina remains hesitant. The refusal to adopt a vaccination strategy not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of local producers but also poses a threat to poultry availability for consumers in the internal market. The producers' urgent plea reflects a desperation to protect the industry and secure the necessary measures to keep production levels stable amid rising health risks from avian influenza.