Source: MEATINGPLACE, 3/2/15

India notified the World Trade Organization it is appealing its finding that the country’s poultry import policies violate international fair trade practices.

India banned imports of U.S. poultry in 2007, saying it sought to prevent low pathogenic avian influenza from entering the country.

The WTO’s order last October calling for India to remove curbs on imports of U.S. poultry followed unsuccessful efforts by the U.S. Trade Representative to re-open the Indian market.

The poultry industry has estimated U.S. exports to India could be worth more than $300 million annually if the country fully opened its doors.

Increased detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza have spawned more import restrictions that are wreaking havoc on global trade in poultry meat and breeding stock, the International Poultry Council (IPC) said.

Avian influenza will be a key focus of the IPC’s upcoming meeting in Rome, said the group, which plans to adopt a policy statement on avian influenza at the April conference.

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