Egypt used to export day-old chicks (DOC) and hatching eggs to several Arab and African countries. In 2005, Egypt exported around 1.5 to 2 million layer day-old chicks and in 2006, Egypt exported around 6,400 tons of live chicken (equivalent to US$7.3 million). However, due to the incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in 2006, access to markets was suspended.
Avian Influenza is now endemic in Egypt's poultry population. It is estimated that since 2006, the potential loss of export income due to HPAI is at least US$112 million. In order to re-establish trade, Egypt would need to compartmentalize its poultry sector; demonstrating to trading partners that the facilities involved in producing the hatching eggs and day-old chicks have acceptable risk of disease introduction, exposure and dissemination.Â
The main purpose of this project preparation grant (PPG) is to prepare a cost benefit analysis to assess the potential impact, and the technical and economic viability of implementing the WOAH (OIE) standards on compartmentalization in Egypt to facilitate trade in hatching eggs and broiler day old chicks. The analysis will provide information to allow improved resource allocation in the Egyptian poultry sector. If the establishment and maintenance of HPAI-free compartments is deemed feasible and cost effective, the PPG will prepare a roadmap towards the establishment of compartments in the poultry sector. The potential roadmap should also aim to broaden the scope of establishing HPAI free compartments in multiple poultry establishments that are eligible and compliant with WOAH (OIE) sanitary requirements.