EN 
PT_BR The confirmation of the first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm in the municipality of Montenegro, in Rio Grande do Sul, triggered a wave of suspensions in imports of Brazilian chicken meat by several countries. Among those that have imposed total restrictions are China, the European Union, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, South Korea, Canada and South Africa.
Although the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock states that the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat or eggs, since cooking eliminates the virus, international concern lies in the possibility of the virus being transported through contaminated carcasses, representing a risk to commercial flocks in importing countries. “It is not human consumption that is at risk, but rather the sanitary contamination of commercial herds,” he emphasized.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) considers the suspensions a precautionary measure, highlighting that transmission of the virus through poultry products is highly unlikely, requiring direct contact between a contaminated carcass and live birds.
Brazil, the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, faces major challenges with these suspensions, which affect around 33.5% of its exports of the product. Brazilian authorities have implemented a contingency plan to contain the virus and maintain the sector's production capacity, guaranteeing domestic supply and food security for the population.
According to the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO), Brazil will be able to resume its status as a country free of avian flu after a period of 30 days without new confirmed cases. Minister Fávaro stated that, once this deadline has been met and the outbreak has been effectively contained, the country will be able to negotiate the reopening of international markets for Brazilian chicken meat.
