Mexico, Chile, Uruguay Suspend Poultry Imports from Brazil Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have halted poultry imports from Brazil due to a confirmed bird flu outbreak in commercial poultry. Brazil is a leading poultry exporter, and the outbreak has implications for global supply. The Agriculture ministry has announced measures to combat the virus and maintain production.
A recent outbreak of bird flu has prompted Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay to suspend imports of poultry products from Brazil, marking a significant shift amid rising global health concerns. This decision, announced on Saturday, follows Brazil’s confirmation of its first bird flu case in commercial poultry on a farm located in the municipality of Montenegro, situated in Rio Grande do Sul state.
On Friday, Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock ministry reported that both China and the European Union had also placed bans on Brazilian poultry imports. In light of this developing situation, Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality issued a statement indicating a temporary suspension on chicken meat, live birds, fertile eggs, and other poultry products coming from Brazil as a precautionary step.
Luis Rua, who serves as the secretary for international trade at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed that both Chile and Uruguay joined Mexico in halting imports. This setback is particularly critical for Brazil, which is one of the largest poultry producers globally, accounting for approximately 14% of the world’s chicken meat production, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Notably, prior to this outbreak, Brazil had seen a surge in egg exports to the United States, which increased over 1,000% year-on-year in early 2025 due to an egg shortage resulting from a bird flu outbreak in the U.S. The Brazilian government highlighted that the virus was detected at a poultry facility in a southern region of Brazil, and authorities quickly activated a contingency plan designed to eradicate the virus while maintaining production levels to ensure food security for its population.
Furthermore, the Agriculture ministry stated it has kept the World Organization for Animal Health, as well as Brazil’s Ministries of Health and Environment, informed about the ongoing situation and actions taken. The restrictions on poultry exports are determined based on agreements established with importing countries in relation to international health certification requirements. Depending on the circumstances of outbreaks, the restrictions can vary from broad nationwide bans to more focused prohibitions on certain states or regions.
It’s worth noting that Brazil has faced hurdles with its poultry exports in the past, particularly regarding sanitary issues. In 2018, for example, the European Union placed a temporary ban on chicken from 20 Brazilian plants due to salmonella concerns, prompting Brazil to take the case to the World Trade Organization.
In summary, the recent bird flu outbreak in Brazil has resulted in significant export restrictions imposed by several countries, including Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay. As Brazil braces for the impact on its poultry industry, authorities are working diligently to control the outbreak while aiming to preserve food security. The situation remains fluid, as Brazil’s response to the crisis and international reactions continue to evolve.
Original Source: apnews.com
