Brazil Confirms First Avian Flu Outbreak on Commercial Farms

Sao Paulo: Brazil, the leading chicken exporter globally, reported its first case of avian flu on commercial farms on Friday. This has led to a nationwide ban on trade from China, along with statewide restrictions for other significant markets.

In 2024, Brazil exported around $10 billion worth of chicken, which represents roughly 35% of the worldwide trade. Major exporters include companies like Meat Processors BRF and JBS, catering to approximately 150 countries.

The main destinations for Brazilian chicken exports include China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro announced that China has imposed a 60-day ban on poultry imports from Brazil. Agreements with Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia will similarly restrict shipments from the affected states, as well as from the local government involved.

The outbreak was identified in Montenegro, the southernmost region of Rio Grande do Sul. This area contributes 15% to Brazil’s poultry production and exports, as noted by the National Pork and Poultry Flock ABPA in July 2024.

BRF operates five processing plants in the state, while JBS invests in chicken processing facilities under the Seara brand.

Veterinary officials are isolating the outbreak areas in Montenegro and implementing protocols to manage the remaining birds, according to the state’s Agricultural Office.

“An initial 10 km (6 miles) radius has been established around the outbreak site, and a further investigation will assess potential connections to other factors,” the secretariat stated.

Minister Favaro mentioned that Brazil is actively working to contain the outbreak and hopes to negotiate a quicker resolution to the trade restrictions than the two months currently outlined in the protocol.

“We believe that if we manage to eliminate the outbreak, we can restore regular trade flows before the 60 days are over, including with China,” Favaro stated in an interview on CNN Brazil.

He also clarified that chicken products shipped by Thursday will be exempt from the trade restrictions.

The ministry has officially notified global animal health organizations of the situation.

“Immediate measures are being taken to control the situation, and it will be closely monitored by government agencies,” noted the Industry Group ABPA in their statement.

JBS has sought clarification about the outbreak from ABPA.

BRF’s CEO, Miguel Gularte, expressed confidence in Brazil’s health protocols, indicating that the situation would be resolved soon.

Since 2022, avian flu has impacted the U.S. poultry industry significantly, resulting in the loss of around 170 million birds, which has affected both meat and egg production.

In the U.S., nearly 70 people have contracted avian influenza, with one death reported since 2024. The majority of these infections have been among farm workers in contact with infected birds.

Should the disease spread further, there is an increased risk of heightened susceptibility among humans.

Last year, Brazil exported over 5 million tonnes of chicken products and first confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds back in May 2023 across at least seven states.

The Agriculture Department has reassured that the disease cannot be transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat and eggs.

“Brazilians, as well as the global community, can feel assured about the safety of tested products—there are no restrictions on consumption,” the ministry affirmed.