World’s largest poultry exporter Brazil confirms bird flu outbreak

Brazil, the world’s biggest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Arab News reported. The discovery has prompted China to impose a 60-day ban on Brazilian poultry imports, raising concerns about potential trade restrictions from other countries.

Rio Grande do Sul accounts for 15 percent of Brazil’s poultry production and exports, with major processors BRF and JBS operating facilities in the region. Authorities have isolated the outbreak area in the city of Montenegro and are culling affected birds as part of containment efforts. An investigation within a 10-kilometer radius is underway to identify further risks.

Brazil exported $10 billion worth of chicken meat in 2024, representing about 35 percent of global trade. The Agriculture Ministry has assured consumers that poultry products remain safe to eat and that shipments already in transit to other countries will not be affected.

This outbreak adds to global concerns as bird flu has severely impacted poultry industries worldwide and poses risks of increased transmissibility to humans.