Merchants and consumers of eggs and chicken in Yucatan are facing the repercussions of a severe heatwave in the state that has led to the death of 2,000 chickens. The extreme temperatures have not only highlighted the vulnerability of the poultry industry to climate change but also underscored the urgent need for adaptive measures on farms.
Poultry Production in Yucatán
Yucatán ranks sixth in the nation for high-quality egg production, averaging 87,000 tons annually, and produces 132 tons of chicken per year. These figures underscore Yucatán’s significance in the national poultry industry. However, the recent heatwave has jeopardized this numbers, impacting local producers and dependent markets in Campeche alike.
Necessary Measures on Farms
To mitigate the effects of soaring temperatures, it is crucial for farms to implement systems to regulate temperatures where chickens are housed. This includes installing ventilation and cooling systems and utilizing technologies for efficient environmental monitoring and control. Such measures would not only protect the birds but also ensure the continuity of production and price stability.
According to Eduardo Mena, leader of the Central de Abastos Tenants’ Association, the death of laying hens could lead to a shortage of products and even a price hike.
“The current temperatures are affecting everyone, humans and animals alike. It’s particularly hard on birds, which is why chickens are now dying in Mérida. On one farm, about two thousand birds are dying daily, a situation reported in Bachoco, Kaki, and Crío farms.
“This means we might face a shortage, and we expect that egg prices could rise. With these temperatures, people are not consuming as much, which could prevent a price increase, but we are likely looking at a rise of between 5 and 10 pesos,” he mentioned.
It’s worth noting that Yucatán is one of the peninsula’s leading states in the production and distribution of these products, so neighboring states like Quintana Roo and Campeche could be affected.
