CHICAGO - U.S. poultry producers say they face prolonged economic pain from avian flu despite going months without infections in flocks, as China and some smaller importers fail to lift trade bans implemented during the nation's worst-ever outbreak of the virus.
Pilgrim's Pride CEO Fabio Sandri warned on Thursday that Beijing may extend its ban even as other countries resume trade. Mostly owned by JBS SA, the company is one of the world's largest chicken producers. Mexico, the top overall market for American poultry meat, has largely lifted trade bans, though shipments from Colorado, Washington state and counties in a few other states are blocked, records show.
The USDA had no updated comment. It said last year it was committed to ensuring restrictions are in line with international agreements and lifted as quickly as possible.Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest U.S. poultry producer, told Reuters many of its facilities are in states that should have been reapproved for exports months ago.
Chicken producers Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods have also highlighted trade restrictions. Tyson reports quarterly earnings Aug. 7. Under guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health, regional or national trade bans are applicable if the highly lethal virus infects a commercial farm.
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