Sick industry

One third of global meat exports are presently affected by animal disease outbreaks, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

If disease related import bans extend throughout 2004, trade losses could rise to $10 billion in 12 countries facing export bans or market constraints as a result of diseases such as bird flu and BSE.

Small poultry producers in Thailand and other Asian countries are likely to bear the brunt of this impact, following the loss of more than 100 million birds due to bird flu.