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Avian Flu Pandemic: Potential Impact of Trade Disruptions
Title: Avian Flu Pandemic: Potential Impact of Trade Disruptions
Date: May 8, 2008
Author: Danielle Langton
Institution: Congressional Research Reports for the People
Bibliographic Entry: Langton, Danielle. “Avian Flu Pandemic: Potential Impact of
Trade Disruptions.” Accessed July 16, 2008. Congressional Research Reports for the People.
http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RS22453_20080508.pdf
Electronic Link: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RS22453_20080508.pdf
Key Words: global trade, avian influenza, U.S. economy
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions: Recently, attention has been given to the possibility of an avian flu pandemic with consequences for global trade. Experts disagree on the likelihood of an avian flu pandemic developing at all. This reports aims to illustrate hypothetical scenarios that impact trade between the United States and countries and regions that have reported avian influenza infections. Differences of opinion exist regarding the U.S. poultry industry in the wake of an avian flu outbreak in other countries. On one hand, observes believe that as long as the U.S. remains unaffected by avian flu, their poultry industry would be positively affected as it would increase demand for exports. Conversely, news about avian flu cases in other countries could decrease consumer demand for all poultry, even if the U.S. is influenza-free. If the U.S. were to completely shut its borders to trade, the impact could range from moderate to severe; depending on how long the restrictions were in place. Many countries rely on the U.S. as an export market. The loss of that market even temporarily could cause economic hardships worldwide and contribute to the beginning of a possible global economic slowdown. Although the U.S. is a large economy and does not rely on trade to the same extent as smaller economies, it is not self-sufficient. Further research as to what would take place during an avian flu pandemic and its impact on the economy should be done in the near future.
Name of Researcher: Ashanti Z. Corey
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: July 18, 2008