BRASILIA, May 19 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Following the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil suspended chicken meat exports to China, the European Union, and Argentina, adhering to sanitary protocols.
China, Brazil’s largest chicken buyer (importing over 561,000 tons in 2024), imposed a 60-day import ban, while the EU and Argentina also halted imports until Brazil is declared virus-free.
Brazil, the world’s leading chicken exporter, is implementing containment and eradication measures, including isolating the farm, culling affected birds, and monitoring the area.
Authorities are confident the outbreak can be controlled within 28 days, potentially resuming exports to China sooner. The Agriculture Ministry emphasized that poultry meat and eggs remain safe for consumption.
While some countries limit restrictions to the affected region, China and the EU enforce nationwide bans. Brazil is negotiating with the EU for regionalized embargoes and has informed global partners and the World Organization for Animal Health to maintain transparency.
No additional commercial farm cases have been reported, though a suspected case in wild animals is under investigation.
“As of today, for 60 days, China will not be buying Brazilian chicken meat,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro told reporters. Brazil sold China over 562,000 tons of chicken meat last year, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) noted.
Meanwhile, Paraguay’s National Service of Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa) issued a sanitary alert, urging officials, producers, and citizens to report sick or dead birds and avoid handling them to prevent disease spread. The measure was adopted after Brazil confirmed its first outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry farm in Rio Grande do Sul.
Senacsa requested a “maximum alert” to officials of the Sanitary Region Coordinations, heads of Zonal Units, Revenue Points, producers, and citizens in general, who should notify authorities of any sighting of sick or dead birds.
“It is important to remember not to handle birds with signs of disease or dead birds, to avoid the risk of contagion. Prompt notification will allow appropriate sanitary actions to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease in the country,” the Paraguayan agency recalled while underlining Porto Alegre’s proximity to the border.
In an unrelated development, Senacsa President Juan Carlos Martín confirmed this week that Philippine authorities would be confirming in July whether Paraguayan meat would be eligible for imports. — NNN-MERCOPRESS
