🐔 Brazil Confirms First Avian Influenza Case in Commercial Poultry—Triggers Health Emergency and Export Disruptions

May 16, 2025 – Porto Alegre, Brazil
For the first time, Brazil has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry facility, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s animal health status. The outbreak occurred at a breeder farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul—a key hub in Brazil’s poultry supply chain.

In immediate response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has declared a 60-day animal health emergency and implemented stringent containment measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

🔍 What’s Happening?

The disease was previously restricted to wild and backyard birds, but its presence in a commercial production system signals a new level of risk for Brazil’s poultry sector and global poultry trade.

China has already announced a 60-day suspension on poultry imports from the affected region—a move that may trigger similar reactions from other trade partners.

📉 Implications for Global Poultry Trade

Brazil is the world’s leading exporter of poultry meat, accounting for nearly 38% of international trade. In 2024, the country exported 5.294 million tonnes of chicken meat, valued at US$9.928 billion—a record high.

This outbreak poses potential disruptions to Brazil’s export flows, especially amid rising scrutiny from major importing countries.

🛑 Measures Taken

The government has activated its National Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza, including:

• 10-km containment zone around the outbreak site
• Quarantine and movement restrictions
• Culling of birds for sanitary reasons
• Enhanced clinical inspections and lab testing
• Immediate notification to WOAH, health and environment ministries, and trade partners

“Consumers remain safe,” assured Mapa. “There is no risk of transmission through cooked poultry or eggs.”

🧪 Prevention and Monitoring

Brazil’s veterinary authorities have long maintained a robust avian influenza surveillance system, including:

• Wild bird monitoring
• Farm inspections
• Technicians’ training
• Awareness campaigns

These efforts had kept Brazil’s commercial poultry sector HPAI-free for nearly two decades, a status now officially changed.

🌍 Why It Matters for the Dairy Sector

Though avian influenza directly impacts poultry, outbreaks like this can ripple through adjacent sectors, including:

• Feed supply chains (shared between poultry and dairy)
• Consumer confidence in animal-origin foods
• Export logistics shared across meat and dairy ports

Dairy producers, especially exporters, are advised to remain vigilant as sanitary and trade protocols tighten globally.