BRAZIL RULES OUT SUSPECTED BIRD FLU CASE IN MATO GROSSO

Authorities in Brazil have ruled out a suspected case of avian influenza in backyard poultry in Nova Brasilândia, Mato Grosso, the state’s agricultural defense agency (Indea) said on Wednesday. Laboratory tests returned negative results for the virus.

The announcement comes as Brazil deals with the fallout from its first confirmed outbreak of bird flu in a commercial poultry farm, located in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. The case, confirmed a week ago, has triggered trade restrictions from more than 20 countries.

Export Restrictions Mount

Following the confirmation, several countries suspended poultry imports from Brazil, particularly from Rio Grande do Sul. While no further outbreaks have been detected in commercial operations, restrictions remain in place.

According to Brazil’s agriculture ministry (Mapa), suspected cases in Gracho Cardoso (Sergipe) and Triunfo (Rio Grande do Sul) have also tested negative. Investigations continue in four other locations: Aguiarnópolis (Tocantins), Salitre (Ceará), Ipumirim (Santa Catarina), and Estância Velha (Rio Grande do Sul).

Government Implements Containment Measures

Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro said authorities are enforcing strict containment protocols, including movement restrictions, culling of affected birds, and destruction of products from the infected farm.

“The priority is full containment and tracking of everything linked to the affected farm. By eliminating that production, we significantly reduce the risk of further spread,” Fávaro said.

If no new cases emerge within 28 days — the virus’s incubation period — Brazil plans to request the reinstatement of its bird flu-free status. However, resuming exports will depend on the decisions of individual trade partners.

Poultry Export Bans Expand

Countries that have suspended poultry imports from Brazil include Mexico, South Korea, Chile, Canada, Uruguay, Malaysia, and Argentina.

China, the European Union, South Africa, Russia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Morocco, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have imposed nationwide bans. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, Cuba, and Bahrain have limited restrictions to the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Other countries opted for localized bans affecting only specific regions.

Nationwide Surveillance Ongoing

The agriculture ministry said surveillance and control measures remain active nationwide, aiming to contain the outbreak, protect domestic poultry stocks, and restore export flows as soon as possible.