THE United States reside cattle futures market has been closely spooked by developments within the unfold of an infectious type of Avian Influenza (chook flu), firstly into US dairy cattle, and previously week, from dairy animals into people.
Simon Quilty addressing the AWA annual convention
Independent meat and livestock market analyst Simon Quilty opened his presentation throughout this afternoon’s Australian Wagyu Association annual convention in Cairns with a abstract of recent developments, which he described as ‘somewhat extraordinary.’
Beef Central first wrote concerning the recent migration of the HPAI virus from birds into dairy cattle, and from there into people, on this article final week.
Dairy cattle in three US states have been discovered to be contaminated with the illness for the primary time a fortnight in the past, beginning in Texas, and by at present, six US states had reported instances in dairy animals. No indicators of the illness have but been present in US beef herds, however biosecurity measures had been applied in some US states, Mr Quilty mentioned .
“The reaction in the market saw US Live Cattle Futures last Monday and Tuesday fall for two success days by the limit – down US$14 per hundredweight. It is truly concerning,” Mr Quilty mentioned.
As of earlier at present, the illness had been given a brand new title – Bovine Influenza A virus.
“This is not a virus that is specific to birds, spreading to cattle by chance. Now, the findings in recent days are that it is being spread from cattle to cattle. Once that happens, it becomes a new virus, hence the new name,” Mr Quilty mentioned.
The illness was initially present in migratory water fowl, with flight paths throughout north America making it unattainable to cease.
Mr Quilty mentioned it had been estimated that in these dairy herds that had contracted it, ten p.c of animals have been affected – however there had been no cattle deaths in any way.
“It’s the older cows that are being infected, with symptoms including reduced milk production and feed intake.”
In recent occasions, the virus had been transmitted into varied feline (cat) species, bears, skunks and different mammals – in whole 23 species.
“To me, this is a really important potential disruptor to local markets. The best we can say is the problem is one to watch. The Centre of Disease Control in North America is playing a crucial role in managing the issue – because now two people have acquired the virus (at least one via infected dairy animals).”
Symptoms in people have been delicate, largely conjunctivitis of the eyes.
“But our concern, as an industry is obvious,” Mr Quilty mentioned.
“If this gets blown out of proportion in the US media, it could lead to consumers reducing their intake of both milk, and beef.”
“Again, it is important to note that to date, the virus has not been found in the US beef herd. But for what it’s worth, the impact of the avian influenza in the poultry industry saw 50 million chickens culled in the US, and in Europe, 40 million.”
There had been no instances of avian influenza present in Australia, in any species. For that cause Australia could be considered low-risk, Mr Quilty mentioned.
“For what it’s worth, about US$750 million worth of dairy products are exported by the US into China each year. This is important, because China is probably the one market that warrants concern. China can be reactionary to such situations.”
He mentioned there had been no export bans placed on US dairy or beef merchandise to date.
