As the frequency of AI (avian influenza) outbreaks has increased worldwide, it has had a wide-ranging impact on human health and life, as well as the chicken and egg markets, and even the demand for certain foods.
Recent outbreaks of AI in the United States and Brazil have had a major impact on the supply and demand of eggs and chicken.
In this article, we will analyze the impact of AI on human health and the economy, and examine changes in the demand for Samgyetang in Korea.
1. Avian Influenza and Human Infection
Depending on the variant, avian influenza viruses can infect humans. In particular, cases of human infection have been reported with the H5N1 and H7N9 variants. If infected, symptoms such as high fever, cough, and breathing difficulties appear, and in severe cases, pneumonia can develop.
- Main infection routes and symptoms
Humans can be infected with the AI virus mainly through direct contact with infected birds, inhalation of contaminated feces or dust, etc. Initial symptoms are similar to the common flu, such as fever, cough, and sore throat, but it can quickly progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), etc., so special care is required.
- Status of vaccine development and importance of prevention
Although human infection cases are rare, research on AI vaccine development is steadily underway because the possibility of a pandemic cannot be ruled out. Prevention efforts such as following personal hygiene rules, refraining from visiting areas where AI has occurred, and refraining from eating uncooked poultry are of the utmost importance.
2. Chicken food consumption and economic chain reaction
News of AI outbreaks have a significant negative impact on consumers' psychology of consuming chicken.
Chicken consumption decreases due to concerns about safety, which leads to a drop in chicken prices and economic difficulties for poultry farmers.
- Reduced supply due to quarantine measures and culling
Culling, an inevitable measure to prevent the spread of AI, can lead to a sharp decrease in chicken supply, which can temporarily increase prices.
This can have an economic impact on related industries, including the restaurant industry.
- Long-term market recovery and consumption promotion efforts
After the outbreak of AI, the government and related industries will carry out publicity campaigns on chicken safety and consumption promotion campaigns. It is important to restore consumer sentiment through thorough quarantine management and establishment of a safe distribution system.
3. Egg supply and demand fluctuations in the US
In the US, egg prices have skyrocketed as 17.2 million laying hens have died due to avian influenza. As of the end of 2024, the average price of a dozen eggs in the US was $4.10, nearly doubling from the previous year.
- Impact on the overall restaurant and food industry
The rise in egg prices is not only affecting household economy, but also increasing production costs and putting pressure on prices across the food industry that uses eggs as a main or secondary ingredient, such as bakery, confectionery, and restaurant.
- Importability and domestic market impact
The instability in the supply and demand of eggs in the US can also indirectly affect the domestic market. The possibility of importing eggs from the US may be discussed, which can act as a factor in fluctuations in domestic egg prices.
4. Possibility of Increase in Demand for Samgyetang in Korea due to the Outbreak of AI in Brazil
Recently, the Korean government implemented an import ban on Brazilian poultry due to the outbreak of AI in Brazil.
Since Brazil is one of the major importers of chicken to Korea, this import ban may affect the domestic chicken market.
- Potential Factors for Increase in Demand for Samgyetang
In particular, Samgyetang, which is popular as a summer health food, uses chicken as its main ingredient. The ban on importing Brazilian chicken is likely to increase demand for domestic chicken, which may lead to the revitalization of the Samgyetang market.
- Role of Domestic Poultry Farms and Establishment of a Stable Supply Chain
In order to respond to the increase in domestic demand for Samgyetang due to the decrease in imports of Brazilian chicken, stable production and supply by domestic poultry farms are important. The stability of the domestic chicken market should be secured through government-level support and management.
Conclusion
Avian influenza (AI) is not simply a disease that occurs in birds, but also has a significant impact on human health, chicken and egg prices, and Samgyetang consumption.
The prices of chicken and eggs in Korea are likely to fluctuate due to the AI outbreak in Brazil and the United States, and it is important to continuously monitor the economic impact of the AI outbreak and provide information for safe food consumption.
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Thanks a lot