Cambodia reports bird flu outbreak

The first outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) this year has been reported in the north-west of the country.

The veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 1 August to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report describes a single outbreak of HPAI at Doun Moul in the region of Banteay Meanchey in the north-west of Cambodia. The outbreak started on 21 July and affected a backyard flock of 580 ducks and chickens. Of these, 100 died and the rest have been destroyed.

The presence of the H5N1 sub-type of the HPAI virus has been confirmed.

The last outbreak of HPAI in the country was in October last year.

Source: The Poultry site

Pig farmers in UK paid less than in Cambodia

British pig producers earn less than farmers in Cambodia, it has emerged.

The farm-gate price for pigs in Cambodia is equivalent to £2.47/kg, according to Yorkshirebreeding company ACMC, which is doingbusiness in the country.

This compares with a UK pig price of just £1.51/kg.

Meat price rise

Meat prices on Phnom Penh’s markets have seen large gains over the first half of the year, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Promotion Department.

Local vendors say the price increase comes due to a decrease in imports, forcing purchases of domestically produced animals.

“We started to see price increases back in September last year,” Central Market pork vendor Nary Chey said yesterday.

“I used to pay 17,000 riel (US$4.14) per kg [for my supply], but currently I pay 22,000 riel. It’s harder to sell because of the increases; I only sell 40 kilogrammes each day now, when before I sold 70 kilogrammes.” 

FAO: High agricultural commodity prices to continue

High and volatile agricultural commodity prices are likely to prevail for the rest of this year and into 2012, according to the latest analysis in the FAO’food Outlook.

The report cites a sharp rundown on inventories and only modest overall production increases for the majority of crops as reasons for continuing strong prices.

The next few months will be critical in determining how the major crops will fare this year, the report notes. Although prospects are encouraging in some countries, such as the Russian Federation and Ukraine, weather conditions featuring too little or too much rain could hamper maize and wheat yields in Europe and North America.