Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Human Cases of H7N9 Avian Influenza in China

1) Summary On December 15-16, 2013, two new confirmed human infection cases of H7N9 avian influenza virus were reported to WHO from China. These cases were verified through laboratory confirmation and are classified as moderate-level disease outbreaks.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Livestock and poultry supply chains: H7N9 is an avian influenza that is expected to directly impact poultry farming, slaughtering, and distribution processes, with potential disruptions to chicken and egg supply chains within China
• Agricultural commodity markets: Considering China's role as a major agricultural producer, quarantine measures may create constraints on agricultural labor and logistics
• International food trade: If restrictions on imports and exports of Chinese poultry products expand, restructuring of Asian regional food supply chains will be necessary
• Increased demand for medical supplies: Concerns over supply shortages of related products due to sudden increased demand for quarantine masks, disinfectants, personal protective equipment, etc.

3) Watch points

• Track announcements of additional quarantine measures by the Chinese government and whether the scope of poultry market closures expands
• WHO updates on international spread risk assessments and trends in import restrictions on Chinese agricultural and livestock products by various countries
• Monitor patterns of additional infection cases in China's major agricultural regions and logistics hubs