Concerns are mounting over the impact of the avian influenza outbreak on Thailand's food security, as countries around the world grapple with the virus's repercussions. The outbreak, which first became prominent since 2022, has particularly hit nations such as the United States, Poland, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, China, India, and Australia.
The U.S. has been particularly hard-hit, with increasing reports of individuals contracting the virus leading to fatalities. Consequently, the U.S. government has resorted to culling large numbers of chickens to contain the spread. This drastic action has resulted in skyrocketing egg prices, reaching up to $11 per dozen (approximately 30 baht per egg). Some supermarkets have even restricted egg purchases, facing incidents where hundreds of thousands of eggs were reportedly stolen.
Despite the challenges faced abroad, Thailand has implemented stringent biosecurity measures owing to past experiences with avian flu. The country has developed compartmentalization systems aimed at mitigating risks, which were improved following the avian influenza crisis over a decade ago. These measures effectively separate high-risk areas and control the movement of poultry to mitigate the spread of any potential outbreaks.
While Thailand has not reported any cases of avian influenza for quite some time, it faces significant challenges since it imports over 80% of its chicken and duck breeds from overseas producers. These imports include poultry lineage as far back as 'grandparent stock,' which raises concerns when countries of origin experience outbreaks.
The threat to domestic poultry production translates to possible shortages of chicken meat, eggs, and duck meat within the country. Given Thailand's status as one of the world's leading chicken producers and exporters, this issue warrants serious attention. To combat potential shortages, experts suggest the government bolster efforts to develop local breeding stocks for poultry, even if such initiatives require substantial investment and time.
Ensuring food security will hinge on the successful management of these outbreaks and fostering resilient local animal husbandry practices. Notably, the Thai Department of Livestock Development employs rigorous monitoring and enactment of safety measures, yet complete elimination of infection risk remains unrealistic.
Thorough management practices and access to high-quality feed are fundamental principles for nurturing healthy livestock, regardless of farm size. A recent initiative announced by the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted new GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards for egg-laying farms effective February 21, 2568. Previously, these standards mandated compliance for farms housing 100,000 or more chickens; the new regulation extends this necessity to farms with at least 1,000 chickens. This adjustment signifies the government's recognition of the need for enhanced practices across the board.
While adapting to these new standards might pose challenges for smaller-scale farmers, the long-term benefits could outweigh these woes. Farmers with fewer than 1,000 chickens may not be required to adhere to these regulations but are encouraged to transition to alternative standards, such as organic farming or outdoor free-range systems.
The avian influenza crisis abroad acts as both warning and impetus for Thailand to reinforce its biosecurity policies diligently. Strengthening the knowledge and capabilities of local farmers to align with those of larger corporations is imperative, as livestock management carries significant scientific and technical components.
This pressing situation emphasizes the necessity of research and development to cultivate Thailand's own poultry breeding stocks. Only by doing so can the country mitigate the risks posed by foreign outbreaks and attain long-term food security.