Brazil confirms first bird flu outbreak in poultry

Brazil confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu in commercial poultry on May 16, 2025, marking a significant event for one of the world's leading poultry producers. The outbreak occurred at a facility in Rio Grande do Sul, as stated by the Ministry of Agriculture. In response to this alarming revelation, Brazil implemented a contingency plan aiming not only to eliminate the disease but also to sustain the productive capacity of the sector, ensuring food security for the population. Furthermore, the Ministry notified the World Organization for Animal Health, the Ministries of Health and the Environment, and trade partners to ensure transparency during this critical period. Following the confirmation of the outbreak, major importing countries swiftly took precautionary actions against Brazilian poultry imports. As of May 17, 2025, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, China, and the European Union have halted imports of poultry products, including chicken meat, fertile eggs, and live birds. These measures reflect international health regulations that dictate bans during outbreaks of highly pathogenic diseases like avian influenza. The decision by these countries not only raises concerns over potential loss of trade but also emphasizes the need for stringent sanitary measures to safeguard public health and maintain market trust. Despite the outbreak, Brazilian authorities have reassured the public that the bird flu virus is not transmissible through the consumption of poultry meat or eggs, indicating that the risk of human infection is low. The Agriculture and Livestock minister, Carlos Fávaro, stated that cases of infection typically occur among those who have close contact with infected birds, either alive or dead. This announcement aims to mitigate public fear and maintain consumer confidence in poultry products, which are a staple of the Brazilian economy. Historically, Brazilian chicken exports have faced challenges due to sanitary issues. Notably, in 2018, the European Union temporarily banned chicken imports from 20 Brazilian plants over concerns regarding salmonella contamination. Brazil took the matter to the World Trade Organization, highlighting the complexities involved in global poultry trade. The current bird flu outbreak poses new risks to the poultry sector, and the effective implementation of the contingency plan is crucial for maintaining both domestic supply and international export capabilities.