Although the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian 'flu (Al) continues to affect the global poultry sector, its impact is currently less severe than previously as the frequency and extent of outbreaks has declined. World poultry meat production is forecast to rise in 2009 whilst US production is expected to fall for the first time since the early 1970s. The global economic downturn is likely to have an impact on trade whilst emphasis is likely to be placed on lowering costs, increasing economies ofscale and competitiveness.
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