18 July 2024. To contain the spread of Newcastle disease following the confirmation of an outbreak in the south of the country in mid-July 2024, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has taken decisive action by temporarily suspending exports of poultry and poultry products to 44 countries.
The products affected by the restriction include poultry meat and its by-products, eggs, meat preparations, and untreated blood products.
Newcastle disease, caused by an avian paramyxovirus, poses a significant threat to domestic and wild birds. The virus spreads rapidly within bird populations, causing high levels of mortality. In Brazil, the outbreak was first detected in Rio Grande do Sul, a major poultry-producing state.
Brazil’s suspension of international trade affects key markets across almost the entire world. China, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico are among the countries impacted by the export disruption, as they rely on Brazilian poultry products for domestic consumption and industrial processing. The sudden interruption has raised concerns about supply chains and the availability of affordable protein sources.
Rio Grande do Sul accounts for a substantial share of Brazil’s total poultry exports, generating revenues of approximately 630 million dollars per year. As a result, the outbreak has disrupted trade dynamics, affecting producers, exporters, and consumers alike.
The export suspension period covers 21 days for the entire national territory, allowing time for thorough monitoring and comprehensive assessment of the situation. Health officials are closely tracking the progression of the disease, conducting testing, and implementing appropriate biosecurity measures.