Avian Influenza, Jordan

March 29, 2006

Impact Worksheet

Summary:

On March 23, 2006, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, type H5N1, in poultry was reported by Jordan to the OIE.  This is the first confirmed occurrence of HPAI H5N1 in Jordan .  The outbreak is located in Kofranja, Ajloun governorate, which is in the northwest region of Jordan .  The outbreak occurred in backyard turkeys and chickens.  Clinical cases were present, and 8,000 birds were considered to be susceptible.  Stamping out, quarantine, movement controls, screening, zoning and disinfection have all been undertaken.

In 2005, Jordan ’s poultry stocks totaled 25 million chickens, 2,000 ducks, and 11,000 turkeys, each representing less than one percent of world stocks.  During 2004, Jordan exported 220,000 live chickens and 4,000 live turkeys, representing less than one percent of world exports in each category.  Poultry meat and egg exports also represented less than one percent of world exports.

The USDA does not consider Jordan to be free of exotic Newcastle disease, therefore poultry imports are restricted.  Neither the US , Canada , nor Mexico imported poultry or poultry products of concern from Jordan in 2004 or 2005.

How extensive is avian influenza in Jordan , and what was Jordan ’s disease status prior to the outbreak?

On March 23, 2006, Jordan reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, type H5N1, in poultry.  This is the first confirmed occurrence of HPAI in Jordan .  Several of Jordan ’s neighboring countries have recently announced outbreaks of H5N1 virus in poultry.  Iraq and Egypt both reported outbreaks in February, and Israel reported an outbreak on March 18.  Jordan began intensified monitoring and inspections after Israel ’s reported outbreak.

The outbreak is located in Kofranja, Ajloun governorate, in the northwest region of Jordan (see map on previous page).  The outbreak occurred in backyard turkeys and chickens.  Clinical cases were present, and 8,000 birds were considered susceptible.  Stamping out, quarantine, movement controls, screening, zoning and disinfection have all been undertaken.  A survey will be conducted in a 10 km radius, and vaccination and dipping and spraying are also to be conducted.

The USDA does not consider Jordan to be free of exotic Newcastle disease, therefore poultry imports are restricted.

Sources: OIE Disease Information Report; Deutsche Presse-Agent; CIDRAP news

What is Jordan ’s place in the international market for poultry and poultry products?

In 2005, Jordan ’s poultry stocks totaled 25 million chickens, 2,000 ducks, and 11,000 turkeys, each representing less than one percent of world stocks (Table 1).  Jordan produced 35,000 metric tons (mt) of eggs, 121,000 mt of chicken meat, 240 mt of turkey meat, and 20 mt of duck meat in 2005.

Sources: United Nations FAO, Global Trade Atlas

Table 1: Poultry stocks and production, Jordan , 2004 and 2005

	2004	2005
	Stocks (1,000 head)	Stocks (1,000 head)	% of World Stocks
Chickens	25,000	25,000	<1
Ducks	2	2	<1
Turkeys	11	11	<1
Total Stocks	25,013	25,013	<1
	Production (metric tons)	Production (metric tons)	% of World Production
Chicken Meat	120,794	121,000	<1
Duck Meat	20	20	<1
Turkey Meat	200	240	<1
Hen Eggs	34,550	35,000	<1
Total Production	155,564	156,260	<1

Source: United Nations FAO

During 2004, Jordan exported 220,000 live chickens valued at $809,000 and 4,000 live turkeys valued at $194,000, representing less than one percent of world exports (Table 2).  Jordan also exported 1,408 mt of chicken meat valued at almost $2.5 million, 1,976 mt of turkey meat valued at nearly $5.7 million, as well as small amounts of duck and turkey meat.

Sources: United Nations FAO, Global Trade Atlas

Table 2: Exports of live poultry and poultry products, Jordan , 2003 and 2004

	2003		2004		% of World in 2004
Live Poultry
	Quantity (1,000 head)	Value (1,000$)	Quantity (1,000 head)	Value (1,000$)	Quantity	Value
Chickens	1117	1991	220	809	<1	<1
Ducks	4	26	0	0	<1	<1
Turkeys	3	68	4	194	<1	<1
Poultry Products
	Quantity (metric tons)	Value (1,000$)	Quantity (metric tons)	Value (1,000$)	% Quantity	%  Value
Chicken Meat	1,449	1,425	1,408	2,474	<1	<1
Duck Meat	26	132	67	153	<1	<1
Turkey Meat	49	69	296	990	<1	<1
Canned Chicken Meat	224	307	286	564	<1	<1
Hen Eggs	2,115	6,080	1,976	5,683	<1	<1
Liquid Hen Eggs	0	0	4	6	<1	<1

Source: United Nations FAO

What are the US, Canadian, or Mexican imports of poultry or poultry products from Jordan ?

Neither the US , Canada , nor Mexico imported poultry or poultry products of concern from Jordan in 2004 or 2005.

Source: World Trade Atlas

What is the level of passenger traffic arriving in the US from Jordan ?

In 2004, 81,723 air passengers arrived from Jordan on direct flights to the US .  This number does not include passengers arriving from Jordan via indirect flights.

As part of APHIS-PPQ’s agriculture quarantine inspection monitoring, 158 air passengers from Jordan were sampled for items of agricultural interest in fiscal year 2004.  No passengers were found to be carrying relevant items of interest.

Source: USDA APHIS-PPQ Agricultural Quarantine Inspection databases, US Department of Commerce.

Are there any political/trade issues between the US and Jordan ?

Relations between the US and Jordan have been close for over four decades. These relations were damaged by support in Jordan for Iraq during the first Gulf war. Although the Government of Jordan stated its opposition to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait , there was popular support for Iraq within Jordan .  Following the first Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq .

The peace process and Jordan 's opposition to terrorism parallel and indirectly assist wider US interests. Accordingly, through economic and military assistance and through close political cooperation, the US has helped Jordan maintain its stability and prosperity.  Since 1952, the US has provided Jordan with economic assistance totaling more than $9 billion.

The US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in October 2000.  Jordan was previously one of the few trading partners with which the US consistently had a trade surplus; the effects of the FTA has reversed this dynamic since 2002.  The US is now Jordan 's leading export destination with Jordan ’s main exports to the US being textiles and garments.  Food products imported to the US from Jordan are typically processed foods.

(Note: Sources of political/trade information can be limited.  There may be political/trade issues that were not identified)

Sources: US Department of State; Northern Virginia Technology Council; www.jordanusfta.com; Office of the US Trade Representative

CEI’s plans for follow up:

At this time, CEI will continue to monitor this situation, but has no plans to issue additional reports.  If you need more information or if you want to comment on this worksheet, you may reply to this message, or contact Barbara Bischoff at (970) 494-7282.