June 29, 2023

Japan suspends poultry imports from Brazilian state after avian influenza outbreak

Japan has temporarily halted poultry purchases from a state in Brazil following the emergence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak on a non-commercial farm, according to Brazil's agriculture ministry and the meat industry association ABPA, Datamar News reported.

The decision was made in response to an avian flu outbreak on a farm in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, which affected domesticated animals including ducks, mallards, geese, and chickens. This marks Brazil's first case of avian influenza in non-wild birds.

ABPA, a lobby group representing Brazil's meat industry, questioned Japan's suspension, pointing out that the country does not currently import poultry from the affected state. The association expressed concerns that Japan's decision is not in line with the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Brazil's agriculture ministry released a statement stating that it has questioned Japan's government regarding the import ban. The ministry highlighted that Brazil's status with the OIE remains unaffected by the avian influenza case and emphasized that the import ban was not agreed upon in the health protocol between both parties.

Brazil, known as the world's largest exporter of chicken, initially confirmed avian influenza outbreaks among wild birds on May 15. Since then, the country has reported a total of 50 outbreaks in wild birds across seven states.

ABPA said that that Brazil's industrial poultry farming sector has not recorded any cases of the disease.

Japan holds the position of being Brazil's third-largest poultry importer in 2022, as reported by ABPA.

-      Datamar News