Brazil, recognized as the world’s largest chicken exporter, has confirmed its first case of bird flu at a poultry farm, leading to significant trade restrictions from major international markets such as China. The outbreak, attributed to the H5N1 strain, was detected in Montenegro, situated in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, which accounts for about 15% of the nation’s poultry production.
As a measure of precaution, Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro announced that China would impose a 60-day ban on poultry imports from the affected region. Meanwhile, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have agreed to limit their prohibitions to the affected areas, rather than a nationwide ban, which will help maintain some level of trade.
The impacted farm supplies Vibra Foods, a key player backed by Tyson Foods, which operates 15 processing plants and exports to over 60 countries. Notably, Brazil’s chicken exports reached $10 billion in 2024, constituting approximately 35% of the global chicken meat trade, with BRF and JBS as significant contributors.
In response to the outbreak, veterinary officials are engaged in isolation efforts within a 10 km radius of the outbreak location and are conducting tests to identify any additional cases. So far, the outbreak has led to the death of about 17,000 chickens either due to the virus or precautionary culling efforts.
Minister Favaro expressed optimism about swiftly managing the outbreak, suggesting that if the situation improves, Brazil could negotiate a reduction in restrictions earlier than the designated timeframe. Products already shipped by Thursday will be exempt from the new trade limitations.
The Brazilian authorities’ proactive approach aims to contain the outbreak effectively, ensuring the nation can resume normal trade processes. Their efforts reflect a commitment not only to managing the immediate crisis but also to safeguarding Brazil’s crucial role in the global poultry market.
This situation, while challenging, highlights the importance of robust biosecurity measures in protecting agriculture sectors worldwide from potential threats, illustrating a shared responsibility that extends beyond national borders. Through diligent action, Brazil may mitigate the impacts of this outbreak and continue contributing to global food supply chains.
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