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Livestock Markets Reel from Mad Cow, Bird Flu, and Trade Disputes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Livestock markets worldwide are facing intense pressure as mad cow disease, bird flu, and trade disputes dominate the headlines. Two cows in northern Japan have tested positive for mad cow disease, prompting global concerns about the safety of beef products. Meanwhile, bird flu continues to spread in Southeast Asia, with poor countries struggling to contain the outbreak. Trade disputes between the US and Canada over swine imports have also led to a surge in feeder pig imports from Canada. The US beef industry is bracing for the potential impact of a court ruling on the constitutionality of the Beef Promotion and Research Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two cows in northern Japan have tested positive for mad cow disease, marking the 18th and 19th cases of the disease in the country.
  • Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Southeast Asia, with poor countries struggling to contain the outbreak.
  • Feeder pig imports from Canada surged to 110,175 head in the week-ended April 9, the largest weekly figure since mid-October.
  • The US beef industry is facing a potential crisis due to a court ruling on the constitutionality of the Beef Promotion and Research Act.
  • Cargill Ltd. agreed to purchase the beef processing and related assets of Better Beef Ltd.
  • Australian farmers stand to benefit significantly from a high-quality, comprehensive free trade agreement between Australia and China.
  • Vietnam proposed a nationwide ban on poultry farming in urban areas to help control the spread of bird flu.

Statistics:

  • Russia's poultry output is expected to increase 17% to 1.4 million tonnes in live weight this year, according to Vladimir Fisinin, President of the domestic Poultry Union.
  • Feeder pig imports from Canada surged to 110,175 head in the week-ended April 9.
  • The US Department of Agriculture stated that both Japan and South Korea are expected to send teams to review US beef production and processing systems after a US beef-trade delegation returns from a coming April trip.

Sources:

  • "Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex"
  • "AP"
  • "Dow Jones"
  • "Prime-Tass"
  • "US Department of Agriculture"
  • "Dow Jones Commodities Service"

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