Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay Halt Poultry Imports from Brazil Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay suspend poultry imports from Brazil following the first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. Brazil is a leading poultry producer, and the halt in imports follows similar actions by China and the EU. An extraordinary increase in Brazilian egg exports to the U.S. was noted amid an egg shortage there. Brazil has implemented a contingency plan to manage the outbreak and maintain food security.
Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have announced a suspension of poultry imports from Brazil following the recent confirmation of a bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm, as reported by health authorities on Saturday. This precautionary measure, implemented after Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Ministry reported the situation, comes as major players in the global poultry market react to the rising health concerns.
On Friday, Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry revealed that the virus was discovered in the Rio Grande do Sul state, compelling China and the European Union to halt their poultry imports as well. The Natioanl Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality in Mexico confirmed the temporary suspension of imports such as chicken meat, fertile eggs, and live birds from Brazil.
Luis Rua, who serves as secretary of international trade at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, informed local media that both Chile and Uruguay are following suit in their decision to freeze poultry imports. This situation is notable as Brazil is recognized as one of the world’s top poultry producers, accounting for approximately 14% of global chicken meat production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Interestingly, the growing egg shortage in the U.S., triggered by a separate bird flu incident earlier this year, led to an upsurge in Brazilian egg exports to that country. Reports indicate an extraordinary rise of over 1,000% from January to April 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, per trade statistics from Brazil.
The Ministry also stated that a contingency plan is now in effect to both control the outbreak and maintain Brazil’s production capacity, thereby ensuring food security for its citizens. Public health and environmental agencies, alongside international trade partners, have been notified promptly about the latest developments regarding the bird flu.
The restrictions placed on poultry exports follow established protocols agreed upon with importing nations, which consider various international health certificate requirements. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, these restrictions can vary from being nationwide to more localized measures, targeting specific states or areas directly affected.
Historically, Brazilian chicken exports have faced scrutiny regarding health regulations. For instance, a temporary ban was imposed by the European Union in 2018 on imports of chicken from 20 Brazilian processing plants due to salmonella concerns, which Brazil later contested at the World Trade Organization. The continued vigilance surrounding Brazil’s poultry industry reflects both the challenges it faces and the critical role it plays in global food security.
In summary, the bird flu outbreak in Brazil has led to significant repercussions, with Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay halting poultry imports as a precaution. Brazil is a major player in global poultry trade, and such restrictions underscore the importance of complying with international health standards. As the country navigates this outbreak, its commitment to maintain production capacity and ensure food security remains pivotal. The implications of these events could potentially reach wider global markets depending on how effectively Brazil manages the situation.
Original Source: apnews.com
