In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) declared a 60-day state of animal health emergency, implementing a 10-kilometer control zone around the affected property. Measures include property quarantines, restrictions on the movement of birds and poultry products, intensified inspections, and culling of infected animals. The ordinance allows for the expansion of the emergency area based on ongoing epidemiological investigations.
The outbreak has led to trade restrictions from several countries. China, the European Union, and South Korea have imposed a 60-day suspension on poultry imports from the affected region. The European Commission specified that Brazil can no longer issue the necessary animal health certificates for poultry and meat products due to the confirmed HPAI case. China's suspension affects approximately 14% of Brazil's poultry exports, totaling about 5 million metric tons annually. Shipments already in transit are not affected by these bans.
Brazil is actively working to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread. Federal and state authorities have formed a task force to implement containment measures, including the destruction of over 1.7 million eggs and inspections of 524 nearby properties. Sanitary barriers and disinfection stations have been established, and access to farms is being tightly restricted. The affected farm, operated by Vibra Foods and backed by Tyson Foods, lost 15,000 birds to the virus and culled an additional 2,000. Authorities are investigating links to other farms and have sent new samples for testing.
In addition to the commercial farm outbreak, a separate case of HPAI was confirmed in a wild black-necked swan near the affected area. Brazilian authorities are conducting genetic sequencing to determine whether the two outbreaks are connected. The virus has killed approximately 100 waterfowl at a zoo in Sapucaia do Sul, located about 50 kilometers from the poultry farm. Authorities have implemented containment measures, including restricted access for workers, to prevent further spread.
Despite these challenges, Brazil's poultry industry remains a significant player in the global market. In 2024, the country exported over 5 million metric tons of poultry meat, with China being a major importer. The government and industry are committed to swift action to contain the outbreak and resume trade as soon as possible. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock emphasized that avian influenza is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, and the risk of human infection is considered low.
Brazil's Veterinary Service has been trained since the early 2000s to handle situations like this. The country has implemented a series of preventive measures for nearly two decades, including wild bird surveillance, monitoring of commercial and backyard flocks, regular training for technicians, sanitary education campaigns, and inspection at points of entry for animals and products. These efforts were crucial in maintaining Brazil's HPAI-free status in commercial poultry farming for nearly 20 years.
