Brazil Curbs Poultry Exports Amid Newcastle Viral Disease

Brazil has restricted its exports of chicken meat and eggs to 44 nations after the Newcastle virus disease was discovered on a farm in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The ban, validated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), affects chicken meat and egg exports from Brazil to countries including Argentina, China, and Mexico. Other nations face regional limitations based on their proximity to the affected farm.

Last Wednesday, a chicken farm in Anta Gorda was found to be infected with Newcastle disease, which, according to the ministry, affects both domestic and wild birds. Following this discovery, Brazil declared a “state of zoosanitary emergency” in Rio Grande do Sul for 90 days.

MAPA noted that the most recent confirmed cases in Brazil occurred in 2006, when the disease was found in “subsistence birds” in states including Amazonas and Mato Grosso.

“Following the international rules for trade in poultry and poultry products, the suspension of temporary certification is conducted by Brazil to guarantee the transparency of the Brazilian official service, vis-à-vis the countries importing the products,” MAPA stated.

MAPA further explained that the suspensions are associated with regions facing certification obstacles, ranging from a nationwide suspension lasting a minimum of 21 days to restrictions within a 50 km radius of the outbreak.

The European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia are among the regions subject to export restrictions imposed by Rio Grande do Sul itself. At least 25 other nations, ranging from Ukraine to Paraguay, are included in the export constraints.

Japan, Canada, South Korea, Pakistan, Morocco, and East Timor are among the countries subjected to export restrictions within a 50 km radius of the Anta Gorda farm.

MAPA noted that products undergoing heat treatment, such as thermo-processed, cooked, and processed items destined for Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Uruguay, face no restrictions and can be certified as usual.

The Ministry of Agriculture reviews the suspension regulations daily, considering progress in negotiations with partner countries. During these discussions, all measures being taken to eradicate the outbreak are noted.

Rio Grande do Sul ranks third in Brazil for chicken exports, according to MAPA, behind Paraná and Santa Catarina.

Brazil as a whole exported $4.6 billion worth of chicken products in the first half of this year, while Rio Grande do Sul exported 354,000 tonnes worth $630 million, according to the ministry.

Last week, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro emphasized that the Newcastle disease outbreak has not been classified as an “epidemic” since it affected only one bird out of 14,000.

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