U.S. Halts Poultry Imports from France Over Nationwide Bird Flu Vaccination Campaign: Global Supply Chains Strained Further
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a pivotal decision to cease all poultry imports from France starting October 1. This move comes after France disclosed its plans for a nationwide bird flu vaccination campaign, making it the first country in the world to launch such an initiative. French authorities contend that the immunization drive is essential in battling the virulent spread of bird flu (H5N1), which has decimated millions of birds over the past two years.
French poultry may be absent from American stores-Image Source: Reuters
The USDA stated explicitly that it prohibits poultry imports from countries affected by high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), or from flocks vaccinated against the disease. The Department added that vaccinated birds may not manifest symptoms, thereby complicating the detection of the virus within flocks.
The development has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders. “This could potentially affect America’s imports of chicks and hatching eggs from France for the breeding sector,” said John Clifford, a trade policy advisor for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Export Council.
French plan to vaccinate ducks for bird flu triggers US trade restrictions https://t.co/hUZnb0DgAA pic.twitter.com/kSEfxQlYdD
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 30, 2023
Moreover, the U.S. seeks clarity from France on how it intends to monitor vaccinated flocks for symptoms. The USDA also disclosed plans to impose similar restrictions on live ducks, duck eggs, and untreated duck products from other European countries, particularly those in the so-called European Poultry Trade Zone.
There was no immediate comment from the French Embassy in Washington.
| Key Details | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | October 1 |
| Country Impacted | France |
| Reason for Ban | Nationwide bird flu vaccination campaign in France |
| USDA Position | Prohibits imports from countries affected by HPAI or vaccinated against it |
| Industry Concerns | Affects imports of chicks and hatching eggs for the U.S. breeding sector |
| Future Measures | Similar restrictions on other European countries |
This decision comes amid a global rise in avian influenza, which has led to the death of nearly 59 million poultry birds in the U.S. since 2022. The abrupt change in trade relations could further strain global poultry supply chains and exacerbate existing market instabilities.
The situation warrants keen attention as it unfolds, particularly given its potential impact on both public health and international commerce.
