Brazil’s poultry exports to 17 countries suspended following avian flu outbreak

Countries including Mexico, South Korea, Chile, Canada, Uruguay, Malaysia, and Argentina have formally notified Brazil of their decision to halt all poultry imports. In response, Brazilian authorities have ceased issuing international health certificates for exports to China, the European Union, South Africa, Russia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Morocco, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, in compliance with sanitary protocols.

The UK, Cuba, and Bahrain have suspended imports specifically from Rio Grande do Sul, while Japan has restricted imports solely from Montenegro. An embargo on shipments from a10-kilometer radius of the farm has been imposed by countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Jordan, Hong Kong, Algeria, East Timor, India, Lesotho, Myanmar, Paraguay, Suriname, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

At a press conference on Monday, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro stated that complete disinfection of the affected farm is expected by Tuesday, May 20. This would initiate a 28-day monitoring period starting Wednesday, May 21. If no new cases are detected during this time, Brazil could declare itself free of the disease by mid-June. Mr. Fávaro emphasized that some countries may resume imports before the 28-day period concludes, depending on their assessment of the situation.

Mr. Fávaro acknowledged the difficulty in estimating the commercial impact of the suspensions but expressed confidence in a swift resolution through transparent negotiations. He reiterated that Brazil determines the start of the 28-day period and, absent new cases, can self-declare freedom from the disease to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

As of the evening of May 19, four suspected cases were under investigation: two in commercial flocks in Ipumirim, Santa Catarina, and Aguiarnópolis, Tocantins; and two in backyard flocks in Salitre, Ceará, and Estância Velha, Rio Grande do Sul. Preliminary tests in Aguiarnópolis have returned negative for H5N1, according to the Tocantins Agricultural Defense Agency (Adapec).

Mr. Fávaro also addressed concerns about domestic poultry and egg prices, citing the 2024 Newcastle disease outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul, which had minimal market impact. He noted that 70% of Brazil’s poultry production serves the domestic market, suggesting limited price volatility.

Regarding financial resources, Mr. Fávaro indicated that additional budget allocations are not currently necessary for avian influenza control measures. However, sources within the Ministry of Agriculture suggest that a budget reinforcement of approximately R$100 million may be considered, pending evaluation by the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense.

Mr. Fávaro highlighted that the United States, a key market for Brazilian egg exports, has opted not to impose a blanket ban, instead restricting only genetic material imports from Rio Grande do Sul. He interpreted this as a sign of confidence in Brazil’s containment efforts.

In response to the outbreak, Brazilian states have implemented preventive measures. Santa Catarina, the country’s second-largest poultry producer, has banned the entry of live birds and eggs from 12 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. Goiás has declared a preventive animal health emergency to enhance surveillance, while São Paulo has conducted inspections of farms that received poultry or eggs from Rio Grande do Sul in May.