What is a consequence of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) besides health risks?

High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poses significant risks not only to the health of birds but also leads to substantial economic consequences for farmers. When HPAI outbreaks occur, they can result in widespread culling of infected flocks to control the spread of the disease, leading to a direct loss of income for poultry producers. This also disrupts supply chains, affecting market prices for poultry products and causing financial strain on the agricultural sector. As a consequence, farmers may face devastating economic losses due to decreased market availability of poultry and potential long-term impacts on their operations and livelihoods.

On the other hand, options regarding an increase in poultry production, strengthening poultry markets, or higher consumer demand do not reflect the typical outcomes associated with HPAI. Instead of promoting positive growth, the presence of HPAI typically leads to market instability and a reduction in consumer confidence, which negatively impacts overall poultry production and market dynamics.