Market Challenges And Opportunities
Global Bird Flu Market- Drivers
- Rising Animal Population Susceptible to Bird Flu: With exponential growth in world population over the past few decades, demand for animal protein in the form of poultry, pork and other meats has also increased substantially across both developed and developing regions of the world. As a result, livestock and poultry farming has grown aggressively with many countries, ramping up production to cater to the strong demand for meat both locally as well as for export. Rising animal populations have made these animals, especially chicken and ducks, more susceptible and vulnerable to various viral infections and diseases. Bird flu virus, being a highly contagious disease among avian species, has found an expanded host in the hugely inflated animal populations worldwide. Additionally, many countries still follow unsanitary practices in their live animal markets which brings several bird species in close contact with each other as well as humans, thereby increasing the risk of bird flu virus transmission.
- Surveillance & Monitoring of Migratory Wild Birds: Not only domestic poultry, migratory wild birds like ducks, geese and shorebirds are also known to play a role in the natural ecology of avian influenza viruses. These act as the natural host and reservoir for these viruses, with no apparent illness. During seasonal migrations, wild birds can travel thousands of miles potentially spreading viruses over long distances. Proper surveillance and monitoring of migratory patterns and avian influenza infections in wild bird populations is essential for understanding the avian influenza's epidemiology and assessing the risk of transmission. Governments and international organizations have stepped up efforts to track the migrations routes of wild birds and monitor the prevalence of avian influenza in these species. It also aids in identifying sources of novel virus introductions and implementing timely control response. The information gained from wild bird surveillance assists in risk assessment and disease management strategies. It is anticipated that with growing emphasis on such monitoring activities globally, the demand for relevant diagnostic tests, sampling kits and data management solutions in the bird flu market will continue to sustain.
- Research funding for treatment of bird flu: Research funding for the treatment of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has significantly contributed to the growth of the bird flu market in recent years. Several government and international health organizations have increased research grants and funding to develop effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against the different strains of the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. For instance, on December 12, 2023, The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) collaborated with Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in South Korea to further accelerate the development of CBNU's self-amplifying mRNA vaccine technology. CBNU will first test the platform against the avian influenza H5N1 virus with the help of CEPI. The findings will serve as a model for evaluating this new technology and investigating how it may be used to respond to a future Disease X in as little as 100 days. Hence, the increased research support is expected to accelerate the product development pipeline in the coming years. As effective prevention and treatment options become available, it is likely to boost demand for relevant products.
Global Bird Flu Market- Opportunities
- Development of low cost vaccines: The development of low-cost vaccines could unlock tremendous potential in the bird flu market. As outbreaks of avian influenza continue to threaten poultry farms and public health across the globe, affordable and accessible vaccination programs are critical to mitigate risks. Currently, vaccination is not widely utilized as a control method due to the high costs associated with developing and administering traditional flu shots. However, recent scientific advances have shown promise for more affordable alternatives. Researchers are working on new delivery methods such as nasal sprays or food additives that could be mass-produced and distributed more efficiently. Cheap and easy-to-administer vaccines would make it financially viable for commercial farms and backyard flocks in developing nations to implement vaccination protocols as part of their routine healthcare activities. This could significantly curtail outbreaks and save lives.
- Genetic Engineering Research For Resistant Breeds: Genetic engineering research for developing bird flu resistant poultry breeds presents a great opportunity for the bird flu market to grow sustainably over the long term. Scientists have been conducting extensive research to genetically modify poultry breeds that are resistant to different strains of avian influenza. This research aims to reduce the susceptibility of commercial poultry like chickens and ducks to bird flu viruses. This would bring much needed stability to the poultry farming industry as well as security of supply to poultry consumers. Rather than reacting to outbreaks by destroying livestock, scientists are working to develop a long term solution through targeted genetic edits that allow birds to coexist safely with these viruses. Several research institutes and universities around the world are engaged in projects exploring new gene editing techniques like CRISPR to understand the genetic basis of bird flu susceptibility.
- Growth in consumption of poultry meat and eggs: The consumption of poultry meat and eggs is growing steadily around the world as a more affordable and nutritious protein sources. According to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, in 2021, global consumption of meat proteins is projected to increase by 14% by 2030 as compared to the base period average of 2018-2020, driven largely by income and population growth. Protein availability from beef, pork, poultry, and sheep meat is projected to grow 5.9%, 13.1%, 17.8% and 15.7% respectively by 2030. This rise in demand is expected to continue due to population growth, increasing incomes in developing nations, and preferences among health-conscious consumers in developed markets. As poultry consumption grows, the need for effective prevention and control of bird flu outbreaks will become more pressing to safeguard food security and public health. Greater consumption means a larger supply is needed to meet demand, which increases risks if any outbreak occurs due to the concentration and movement of more birds.
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