Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay Suspend Poultry Imports from Brazil Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

Following a serious bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have stopped poultry imports from Brazil. The ministerial actions highlight potential food security concerns and trade implications, particularly as Brazil is a leading poultry exporter globally. Previous health issues have caused international trading challenges for Brazilian poultry, emphasizing the need for stringent health protocols.

Three South American nations—Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay—have taken swift action to suspend poultry imports from Brazil following a confirmed outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm. This announcement was made on Saturday, attributed to reports from Brazilian authorities. The outbreak, noted for its seriousness, has raised urgent health and safety concerns among neighboring countries.

On Friday, Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry reported that both China and the European Union implemented similar bans on Brazilian poultry products. The National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality of Mexico stated that it would temporarily halt imports of chicken meat, fertile eggs, live birds, and additional poultry products from Brazil as a preventive measure.

Luis Rua, the secretary of international trade at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, indicated that Uruguay and Chile have also joined in suspending imports, showing a regional consensus on prioritizing public health. Brazil is a substantial player in the global poultry market, being responsible for approximately 14% of worldwide chicken meat production, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The outbreak is particularly troubling in light of a recent egg shortage in the United States. American shortages had driven previously unprecedented demand for Brazilian egg exports, which surged over 1,000% between January and April of this year compared to the same period in 2024, as per Brazilian trade data.

Brazilian officials confirmed that the H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus was detected at a facility in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. Consequently, they have initiated a contingency plan aimed at not only managing the outbreak but also preserving the poultry sector’s productive capabilities. This move underscores a commitment to ensuring food security in light of the crisis.

In addition to notifying the World Organization for Animal Health, Brazil’s authorities have communicated with the Ministries of Health and Environment, as well as other trade partners. Export restrictions will follow protocols established with importing nations based on international health certificate requirements. The Agriculture and Livestock Ministry highlighted that regulations may vary—some restrictions could apply nationally, while others may be more localized.

Historically, Brazilian chicken exports have encountered sanitary challenges. For instance, in 2018, the European Union momentarily banned imports from 20 Brazilian plants due to salmonella-related concerns. Consequently, Brazil escalated the matter to the World Trade Organization.

Ultimately, the impact of this bird flu outbreak on Brazil’s poultry industry remains to be seen, and all eyes will be on how effectively the government manages this challenge as it navigates international trade and public health interests.

In light of recent bird flu outbreaks in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have halted imports of Brazilian poultry. This situation has intensified concerns over food safety and global trade dynamics in the poultry sector. With Brazil being a significant supplier in the global market, the effect of these actions could have far-reaching implications—potentially straining the country’s poultry exports and further challenging existing supply chains. Authorities are working to contain the outbreak and address international trade relations amid these restrictions.

Original Source: apnews.com