Brazil reclaims bird flu-free status as export talks resume

BRAZIL – Brazil has declared that its commercial poultry farms are free of the bird flu virus following nearly a month without any new reported outbreaks, the agriculture ministry announced on Wednesday.

The 28-day monitoring period began on May 22, after authorities disinfected the only affected commercial farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

That outbreak, which occurred in a breeder facility in the town of Montenegro, led to the culling of 17,000 chickens and triggered export restrictions from multiple countries.

Under current trade agreements, several importers, including China, temporarily halted purchases of Brazilian chicken products while authorities implemented disease control measures.

Brazil accounts for approximately 39% of all global chicken exports, making any disruption to its poultry industry significant on the international stage.

With no new commercial cases detected since the incident, the government is now seeking to resume trade with its partners through formal discussions.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro confirmed in a statement that the country will need to negotiate individually with each importer to lift restrictions and restart shipments.

A local official from Rio Grande do Sul had earlier indicated that all necessary steps outlined in health protocols had been followed to control the outbreak and declare the area free of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Still, final recognition of Brazil’s disease-free status is not immediate and depends on confirmation by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), in line with international procedures.

Until then, Brazil’s poultry exports remain partially restricted, even as domestic authorities insist that the health risk has been contained.

Export impact and recovery efforts

The suspension of chicken imports from Brazil by key partners such as China led to temporary trade losses, although official figures have not been disclosed.

Brazil’s poultry sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural income, is expected to recover once trade resumes with its major buyers.

While backyard and wild bird cases of bird flu have been recorded in the past, this year marked the first instance of the virus affecting a commercial poultry farm in the country.

Efforts to control the outbreak included the rapid removal of infected birds, sanitation of the affected farm, and heightened surveillance in nearby regions.

Officials say talks with trade partners are ongoing and will continue until full export clearance is granted based on WOAH’s verification.

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