Avian Flu Pandemic: Potential Impact of Trade Disruptions

• Main Author: Langton, Danielle
• Other Authors: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Economics and Cost Analysis; Medicine and Medical Research; *IMPACT; *INTERNATIONAL TRADE; *INFLUENZA; SCENARIOS; INFLUENZA VIRUS; IMPORTS; POULTRY; MEDICAL SUPPLIES; CHINA; FOOD; UNITED STATES; *AVIAN FLU; *PANDEMICS; GLOBAL TRADE; GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT; TRADE RESTRICTIONS; OUTBREAKS; AVIAN INFLUENZA; Avian flu
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA476111; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA476111

Concerns about potential disruptions in U.S. trade flows due to a global health or security crisis are not new. The possibility of an avian flu pandemic with consequences for global trade is a concern that has received attention recently, although some experts believe there is little cause for alarm. Experts disagree on the likelihood of an avian flu pandemic developing at all. This report considers possible trade disruptions, including possible impacts on trade between the United States and countries and regions that have reported avian influenza infections. These trade disruptions could include countries banning imported goods from infected regions at the onset of a pandemic, de facto bans due to protective health measures, or supply-side constraints caused by health crises in exporting countries. CRS Report for Congress