Brazil, the biggest poultry exporter in the world, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu on a commercial farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, officials said Friday. That has prompted China to ban imports of Brazilian poultry for 60 days, and there is growing concern about potential restrictions from other major trade partners.
Brazil sold about US$10 billion worth of chicken meat in 2024, representing about 35% of the world’s market. Export giants BRF and JBS supply chicken to over 150 countries, some key destinations being China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
The disease was found in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, which accounts for approximately 15% of Brazilian poultry production and exportation. The affected area has been isolated and the rest of the birds were culled immediately in accordance with the standard protocols. A comprehensive investigation within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak location is ongoing to determine whether there are any possible connections to other farms.
Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro confirmed China’s temporary halt on poultry imports but assured that already-transit shipments to other nations would remain unaffected. The government informed the World Organization for Animal Health, trade partners, and other stakeholders, assuring that all containment actions are in place and the situation is under control.
BRF CEO Miguel Gularte was optimistic that Brazil’s rigorous health measures would address the situation at speed. In turn, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) reassured that chicken products are still safe for consumption and there are no bans on inspected meat and eggs.
Ever since 2022, bird flu has hit poultry industries globally, especially in the United States, where there have been millions of deaths among birds and a few reported human infections, highlighting continued fears about the spread of the virus.
