Amid Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza... Government to Import Additional 4.71 Million Eggs
In Preparation for New Semester School Meal Demand and Easter Peak Season
The government has decided to import additional eggs to meet the demand for school meals at the start of the new semester and the surge in consumption during the Easter season, in response to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on March 5 that it will import an additional 4.71 million fresh eggs, as the domestic supply is expected to deteriorate due to the spread of highly pathogenic AI. Previously, in January this year, the ministry had imported 1.12 million fresh eggs from the United States and supplied them to large supermarkets, among other outlets.
A ministry official stated, "As of March 3, the cumulative number of laying hens culled due to highly pathogenic AI this winter stands at 9.26 million, and given that outbreaks have occurred in March in previous years and that this is a peak period for migratory birds heading north, there is a possibility of additional cases." The official added, "Currently, the average daily egg production is higher than the normal year, but it is projected to decrease by 5.8% compared to the same period last year."
Accordingly, the ministry plans to import approximately 4.71 million fresh eggs through the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, with 3.36 million eggs in March and 1.35 million in April. This proactive measure aims to stabilize supply by responding to increased culling due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and to supplement the domestic shortage in the market during the new semester and Easter season.
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The imported fresh eggs will be supplied to large supermarkets and small and medium-sized distributors based on an expression of interest survey. The ministry also stated that it will consider additional imports depending on future supply and demand conditions.
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