The COVID-19 global pandemic dramatically impacted the animal health market in the Asia Pacific region, affecting both protein demand and the poultry industry.
Executives from Zoetis discussed the next steps for animal health in Asia during a November 10, 2020 webinar.
Animal protein demand expected to grow in Asia Pacific region
Demand for animal protein is expected to increase dramatically throughout the Asia Pacific region in the next ten years. Pork will be the biggest driver of this growth; however it is expected that every category will see an increase.
“As you can imagine, the increasing human population and the growth of the income level have triggered an unprecedented demand for animal proteins in Asia Pacific. FAO data indicates there will be a more than 137 million metric tons of animal protein production increase in the region between now and the next ten years,” explained Leo Mou, Director, Commercial Market Insight Analytics Business Analytics & Market Research (BAMR), International Center of Excellence.
Supply a challenge during COVID-19
Supply chain logistics proved to be one of the great challenges for the Asia Pacific region during COVID-19, an issue felt throughout the world. The region experienced unexpected shortages due to frozen or slowed transportation of goods between countries.
“For the livestock business, I think the key challenge earlier this year was supply because of all the transportation issues which made it difficult to deliver services and supplies to customers,” Mike Wang, Vice President & General Manager, Greater China, said
“Fortunately, the situation is getting better now. Things are more stable and countries are recovering from COVID-19.”
Poultry industry slowly recovering in India, Bangladesh
Early on in the pandemic, poultry sales in India and Bangladesh plummeted due to unfounded rumors that linked chickens to the COVID-19 virus. The state’s Animal Husbandry Department has termed the allegations “baseless.” It has reiterated that “consumption of chicken is completely safe and does not cause infection.”
The poultry industry in these markets has been slowing recovering ever since.
“Clearly, this year, especially for India and Bangladesh, has had a huge impact on the poultry industry from COVID-19. The market size itself drastically reduced, but looking at the current conditions, we’ve seen signs of recovery,” said Katsutoshi Kato, Senior Vice President, International Operations.
“Hopefully in 2021 we will see the very rapid recovery of the poultry industry and poultry market for animal health.”
View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
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