August 21, 2024

Colombia stops poultry imports from Brazil over concerns of Newcastle disease

Colombia, through government office Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), has temporarily suspended the importation of poultry products from Brazil.

This preventive measure comes in response to a recent outbreak of Newcastle disease in a commercial poultry establishment in Anta Gorda, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The Newcastle disease outbreak in Brazil has prompted the country to declare a state of zoosanitary emergency.

The ICA's decision to suspend imports is aligned with its commitment to maintaining Colombia's status as a Newcastle disease-free country. Colombia declared this status to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2022, and it was reaffirmed in the first half of 2024.

The suspension aims to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease within Colombian borders, safeguarding both animal and public health.

The suspension, effective immediately, applies to all poultry products and by-products that could potentially transmit Newcastle disease. This includes live birds, eggs, and poultry meat originating from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The ICA has halted the issuance of zoosanitary import documents for these products, effectively blocking their entry into Colombia.

Juan Fernando Roa, former general manager of the ICA, said: "This suspension is crucial to safeguarding the health of our poultry production and protecting human health. By intensifying our efforts in prevention, surveillance, and control, we aim to ensure that Newcastle disease does not establish itself in our country."

- aviNews