Brazil Declares Freedom from Bird Flu, Plans to Resume Poultry Exports

SAO PAULO – Brazil, the world's largest exporter of poultry, has officially declared itself free of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in its commercial flocks. This announcement came from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday, following a 28-day observation period during which no new outbreaks were reported in commercial farms. The ministry confirmed that the countdown to reclaiming the country’s disease-free status began on May 22, 2025, after the complete disinfection of the farm in Rio Grande do Sul, where the only commercial outbreak occurred last month.

The outbreak had significant implications for Brazil's poultry industry, which accounts for approximately 39% of the global chicken trade. The initial outbreak, detected in a chicken breeder farm in Montenegro, led to the culling of around 17,000 birds. Consequently, major importing countries, including China, imposed bans on Brazilian chicken imports, prompting the need for Brazil to address these health concerns before resuming exports.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro stated that the government is keen to engage in discussions with its trading partners to restore poultry exports. 'We have taken all necessary steps under health protocols to declare ourselves free of HPAI,' he said in a statement. However, he emphasized that the process of regaining trade privileges is not automatic and requires confirmation from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), according to established guidelines.

Experts from various agricultural institutions have pointed out that Brazil's swift response to the outbreak reflects its commitment to maintaining biosecurity standards in the poultry sector. Dr. Maria Santos, a veterinary epidemiologist at the University of São Paulo, noted, 'Brazil's effective management of the outbreak demonstrates the country's strong capabilities in animal health surveillance and control.'

The implications of regaining the HPAI-free status extend beyond just economic aspects. The poultry industry employs millions of Brazilians and is vital for the nation’s food security. A report from the Brazilian Poultry Association indicated that the poultry sector contributes over $10 billion annually to the national economy.

As Brazil moves to resume its export activities, it must navigate complex international trade regulations and restore trust among its trading partners. According to Dr. Alan Roberts, an international trade expert at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 'Brazil must provide transparent and comprehensive data about its poultry health status to ensure the confidence of importing countries.'

In conclusion, while Brazil's declaration of being free from bird flu is a significant milestone, the path towards resuming poultry exports will involve rigorous compliance with international health protocols and ongoing communication with trade partners. The next steps in this process will be critical for Brazil's poultry industry and its broader economic recovery following the outbreak.