Brazil, the globe’s top poultry exporter, has confirmed its first case of avian influenza on a commercial chicken farm, prompting immediate trade restrictions. The outbreak, detected in Montenegro—a city in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul—has led China to suspend Brazilian poultry imports for 60 days, while other major buyers like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have imposed localized bans.

In 2024, Brazil’s chicken exports totaled $10 billion, representing approximately 35% of the global market. Major processors such as BRF and JBS—whose products reach roughly 150 countries—are among the largest players affected.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro confirmed China's nationwide embargo and noted that under current agreements, nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia will limit bans to the impacted state or municipality. Rio Grande do Sul, responsible for 15% of Brazil's poultry output, is a critical hub for both BRF and JBS operations.

Authorities have initiated containment measures in the affected zone, including culling infected flocks and launching a 10-kilometer epidemiological investigation radius around the outbreak site. Officials emphasized that this response aligns with established biosecurity protocols.

Minister Favaro expressed optimism that Brazil could resume normal trade flows before the 60-day deadline, especially with China, if the outbreak is swiftly controlled. Shipments dispatched before the confirmation of the outbreak remain unaffected by the bans.

The Agriculture Ministry has alerted the World Organization for Animal Health and reassured global consumers that poultry products remain safe to eat. “All necessary control measures have been implemented, and the situation is being closely monitored,” stated the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

BRF CEO Miguel Gularte emphasized confidence in Brazil's veterinary standards, assuring stakeholders that the incident would be efficiently resolved. JBS deferred comments to ABPA.

Since 2022, avian flu has ravaged poultry farms across the United States, resulting in the culling of nearly 170 million birds and even infecting dozens of humans, mainly agricultural workers. The disease’s evolution raises concerns about potential human transmission risks.

Brazil, which began identifying cases in wild birds as early as May 2023, continues to emphasize that avian flu is not transmitted through consumption of poultry products. “There is no risk in eating inspected meat or eggs,” reaffirmed the Agriculture Ministry, urging consumers worldwide to remain calm.