EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON POULTRY INDUSTRY: IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE SUCCESS?

Global and local poultry industry have affected by COVID-19 global pandemic and consequence periods of quarantines especially in 2019/20 in many countries. The quarantines’ periods, lockdowns, self- isolation of workers and death rate have disrupted both supply chain and value chain of poultry industry. As a result, there are different governmental strategies had reported to decrease the effect of that economic crisis on poultry industry on both production and consumption levels. In Egypt, poultry production mainly depends on imported feed raw materials, feed additives, vaccines, veterinary supplies, and production equipment’s. Consequently, availability, quality and prices of production inputs are greatly affected by pandemic effects on supplying countries. Furthermore, there is variation of recorded pandemic effect on poultry producers according to many factors, while small holders are the most negatively affected farmers due to different reasons. Although there are many reports focused on either the negative impact of COVID-19 on poultry industry and human food security, or the potential spread of virus within workers in poultry slaughterhouses, there is still a chance to create a positive opportunity to record more success and sector development based on pandemic consequences. This report spotlights on some global changes and emergency strategies to minimize the impact of pandemic on poultry production. Also, it introduces some local governmental responses to face the fluctuation in both prices and availability of inputs, safety of raw materials and sustain the suitable consumers’ demand. Finally, the report introduces an example of creation of additional success story from market challenges.