UNCLAS ATHENS 003094

SIPDIS

PASS TO CELESTE CONNORS, EUR/PGI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EAGR AVIANFLU
SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU: GREEK POULTRY INDUSTRY UPDATE

REF: A. STATE 216147


B. ATHENS 002748

1.(U) In response to inquiries referenced in Reftel A, GoG
currently has Avian Influenza based poultry import bans on
Bulgaria, Romania and Turkish poultry products. This ban
includes, but is not limited to, meat, eggs, and uncooked
processed foods. In addition, GoG also bans poultry imports
and its derivatives from Macedonia and Albania in response to
recent outbreaks of Newcastle disease in both the countries.
All bans will remain in place until the MOA determines a
significant change in the poultry market of the host country.
The Greek Poultry industry produces about 180,000 metric
tons of meat per annum, with a value of 350 million euros.
Greece is a net poultry importer and 20 percent of Greek
poultry is imported from the EU (EU 15) and Brazil, so
domestic supplies have not been adversely effected by the bans


2. (U) After a premature announcement of Avian Influenza in
October, Greek poultry production plummeted 60 percent within
a few days. Currently, production has returned to normal
levels. It is important to note that the sudden drop in
consumer demand increased local supplies of frozen meat due
to the strict 16 week slaughter cycle of the poultry sector.
(Note: Time from incubation to maturity in Greece is 16
weeks, at wich time the 16 week birds must be slaughtered in
order to accommodate the next iteration of 15 week birds.
Failure to adhere to the schedule places significant
logistical and continuity constraints on the production
process. End Note)


3. (U) While regional preventive culling of suspected Avian
Influenza infected flocks in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey
continues, the GoG has maintained relative calm regarding the
any Avian activity in Greece. After the initial aprehension
and public outcry over October's false positive test,(Reftel
B) the GoG, media and the population in general are
maintaining a pragmatic, if not indifferent approach to a
potential outbreak within the borders of Greece. Post will
continue to monitor the GoG and regional response to the
Avian Influenza and the poultry industry.
RIES