Brazil confirms bird flu outbreak on farm, China halts poultry imports

A confirmed case of bird flu on a commercial farm in Brazil has prompted China to suspend poultry imports, while other countries introduce regional restrictions.

Brazil, the world's largest exporter of chicken, has reported its first confirmed outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm, located in the city of Montenegro in Rio Grande do Sul state. The incident has led to China imposing a 60-day nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry imports, while countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have applied state-level trade restrictions.

The affected state, Rio Grande do Sul, is responsible for 15% of Brazil’s poultry output. Meat giants BRF and JBS operate major processing facilities there, and the ban is expected to impact trade flows to some 150 countries. Brazil’s chicken exports were valued at $10 billion in 2024, accounting for around 35% of global trade.

The Agriculture Ministry stated that veterinary authorities have begun isolating the outbreak area and culling birds in accordance with health protocols. A 10-kilometre investigation zone has been established around the site. The Ministry also confirmed it has alerted the World Organization for Animal Health.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said that while the agreement with China enforces a country-wide ban, trade with other key markets may resume earlier. "If we manage to eliminate the outbreak, we think it’s possible to re-establish a normal trade flow before the 60 days are up, including with China," he told CNN Brasil.

Poultry shipments made before the outbreak confirmation will not be subject to restrictions. The Ministry reassured consumers that the virus is not transmitted through poultry meat or eggs, and that products from inspected sources remain safe.

The global poultry industry has faced challenges from bird flu since 2022. In the U.S. alone, over 170 million birds have died, and nearly 70 human infections have been recorded, raising concerns about the virus’s potential evolution.

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