Chinese officials are predicting that poultry
and eggs could become scarce in the summer and fall because of the coronavirus
that has claimed about lives.
China’s
live poultry markets have been closed, transportation of poultry has been
curtailed and some slaughterhouses have been closed, according to The South China Morning Post.
The report said agriculture ministry official
Yang Zhenhai notified a China State Council that the loss of the nation’s
poultry industry also would be “very serious” in light of supply chain issues
and sharply lower poultry prices.
The
coronavirus outbreak has already impacted imports because of restrictions on
port workers because they might spread the virus.
An association which speaks for United States
meat exporters said.that shipments are being held up once transport ships
arrive in China and cargo is unable to be moved into areas where the imported
food products are needed.