Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay Suspend Poultry Imports from Brazil…

Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay halt poultry imports from Brazil following a confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry reported that China and the European Union also suspended imports. The outbreak raises concern as Brazil is a major poultry exporter, contributing significantly to global production.

In a significant move, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have suspended all poultry imports from Brazil following the confirmation of a bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. Brazilian authorities reported this distressing news on Saturday, noting that the outbreak was detected in the municipality of Montenegro, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Late Friday, Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry disclosed that both China and the European Union have also halted poultry imports from the nation. The National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality in Mexico stated that it has temporarily restricted imports of chicken meat, fertile eggs, live birds, and other poultry products from Brazil as a precautionary measure.

Luis Rua, secretary of international trade at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed that both Chile and Uruguay are following suit in halting imports. Brazil plays a crucial role in the global poultry market, being responsible for approximately 14% of the world’s chicken meat production, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Recent trade data revealed a significant increase in Brazilian egg exports to the United States, which soared over 1,000% from January to April 2025, attributed to the egg shortage in the U.S. following its own bird flu outbreak. This raised concerns about potential supply issues for Brazil.

Authorities say the bird flu virus was identified at a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, leading to the activation of a contingency plan. This plan is aimed not just at eradicating the disease but also at preserving the poultry sector’s productivity to ensure food security for Brazil’s population.

The Agriculture Ministry has also communicated with the World Organization for Animal Health, as well as the Ministries of Health and the Environment, to address the situation. The newly imposed restrictions on poultry exports align with established rules agreed upon with importing countries, based on international health certification requirements. Depending on the strain of the disease, some regulations apply nationwide, while others might target specific regions affected by the outbreak.

Brazil has historically faced challenges regarding the hygiene standards of its poultry exports. A notable incident occurred in 2018 when the European Union briefly banned imports from 20 Brazilian poultry plants due to salmonella concerns, leading Brazil to pursue the case at the World Trade Organization.

In summary, the emergence of a bird flu outbreak in Brazil has led to immediate action from countries like Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay, which have suspended poultry imports. This situation, compounded by Brazil’s significant role in global poultry production, raises alarms about potential trade repercussions and food security. Efforts are underway by Brazilian authorities to manage the outbreak and maintain the poultry sector’s stability, stressing the importance of both health measures and international cooperation in addressing such crises.

Original Source: apnews.com