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

Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have stopped poultry imports from Brazil due to a confirmed bird flu outbreak. The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry has also reported that China and the EU have halted imports. With Brazil being a major poultry producer, these developments have significant implications for international trade and food safety.

In a significant move, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay announced a halt to poultry imports from Brazil following the confirmation of the first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm in Brazil. The announcement came from various authorities on Saturday, highlighting growing concerns over animal health safety.

On the previous day, Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry reported that both China and the European Union had also suspended poultry imports from the country. In a statement, Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality confirmed the temporary suspension of imports, including chicken meat and fertile eggs, citing precautionary measures.

Notably, Brazil is a prolific player in the poultry industry, contributing to about 14% of the world’s chicken meat production, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The halt of imports impacts not only Brazilian farms but also international markets, especially considering recent spikes in Brazilian egg exports to the United States, driven by an egg shortage there. Data indicates a staggering rise of over 1,000% in egg exports from January to April 2025 compared to the previous year.

The virus was detected at a facility in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southern state, triggering the implementation of a contingency plan intended to contain the outbreak. Brazilian officials have reiterated their commitment to not only eradicate the virus but to also ensure that the poultry sector maintains its productivity, thus safeguarding food security for the nation.

The agriculture ministry took steps to inform relevant global authorities and other trade partners about the outbreak, demonstrating Brazil’s transparency in handling the situation. According to the ministry, the restrictions on poultry exports are in adherence to established rules negotiated with importing countries. These protocols often hinge on international health certificate stipulations that can vary in scope, affecting entire countries or specific regions within a country.

These recent events echo past challenges for Brazilian poultry exports. Back in 2018, Brazil experienced a temporary ban from the European Union on imports from 20 facilities due to salmonella concerns, showcasing the ongoing delicate balance the industry must maintain regarding food safety and international trade compliance.

In conclusion, the halt of poultry imports from Brazil by Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay marks a critical response to a confirmed bird flu outbreak. This is compounded by Brazil’s significant role in the global poultry market and ongoing concerns about food safety. As Brazilian authorities move to control the outbreak and communicate with international partners, the future of Brazilian poultry exports remains uncertain amid increasing scrutiny.

Original Source: apnews.com