Mexico, Chile, Uruguay Suspend Poultry Imports from Brazil Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have suspended poultry imports from Brazil following the first confirmed case of bird flu in a commercial farm. Meanwhile, China and the EU also halted imports, raising serious trade and health concerns. Brazil, a major poultry producer, is enacting contingency plans to manage the outbreak and ensure food security for its population, while also notifying international health organizations.
In a significant move, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have suspended all poultry imports from Brazil in response to the country’s first confirmed case of bird flu at a commercial farm. This decision, announced Saturday, underscores the widespread impact of the outbreak as it raises serious health and safety concerns.
Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry disclosed on Friday that both China and the European Union had already taken similar actions to suspend poultry imports. Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health swiftly responded by reporting the temporary prohibition on various poultry products, including chicken meat, fertile eggs, and live birds from Brazil.
Luis Rua, who serves as the Secretary of International Trade at Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, confirmed that Chile and Uruguay had also joined the list of countries halting imports. This is particularly concerning given Brazil’s vital role as a major poultry producer, representing 14% of the world’s chicken meat supply, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Interestingly, Brazilian egg exports to the United States surged dramatically—over 1,000%—during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase was largely due to an egg shortage in the U.S. caused by its own bird flu outbreak.
Earlier this week, the identified strain of the virus was traced to a facility located in Rio Grande do Sul, a southern state in Brazil. Authorities stated that a contingency plan has been enacted to manage the situation, focusing on disease elimination while ensuring the poultry sector’s productivity, which is crucial for the food security of the population.
In their proactive stance, Brazil’s agriculture ministry has also alerted the World Organization for Animal Health, along with the Ministries of Health and Environment, as well as trading partners. Restrictions surrounding poultry exports are consistent with agreements established with importing countries, reflecting international health regulations. Depending on the nature of the outbreak, restrictions may apply comprehensively or be limited to specific geographic areas.
Historically, Brazilian poultry exports have faced scrutiny tied to health and safety issues. For example, in 2018, the European Union temporarily banned chicken imports from 20 Brazilian facilities over salmonella concerns, prompting Brazil to escalate the matter to the World Trade Organization for resolution.
The rapid suspension of poultry imports from Brazil by several countries highlights the global impacts of bird flu outbreaks on trade and food security. As Brazilian authorities mobilize to manage this outbreak, the international community closely watches the situation to mitigate risks associated with poultry products. This incident also brings to light ongoing challenges faced by Brazilian poultry exports, raising essential questions about health protocols and international trade requirements. The future of Brazil’s vital poultry industry may depend on its response to these emerging health threats.
Original Source: apnews.com
