Brazil the world’s top poultry exporter, is facing serious trade fallout after confirming a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. The outbreak, centered at a facility operated by Vibra Foods linked to U.S.-based Tyson Foods has triggered an immediate 60-day import suspension from China, its leading poultry buyer.
Additional trade restrictions from countries including Japan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are limited to Rio Grande do Sul, a state responsible for 15% of Brazil’s poultry production and home to industry giants BRF and JBS. In a containment effort, authorities have culled over 17,000 chickens and implemented strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro stated that negotiations are underway to shorten the duration of trade suspensions. While exports face hurdles, Brazilian officials continue to assert that domestic poultry remains safe for consumption, citing stringent health controls and surveillance.
As Brazil mobilizes to manage the outbreak and stabilize global poultry markets, attention is focused on how quickly trade partners will respond to reassurances and containment efforts.