
Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Commercial Farm, Triggering Global Trade Bans
Brazil's poultry trade halted
Global markets watch
Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm on May 16, 2025, triggering immediate trade suspensions from key international buyers [1][2].
The outbreak occurred at a farm supplying Vibra Foods, a Brazilian operation backed by U.S.-based Tyson Foods, in the city of Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul state [1][6]. The detection of the H5N1 virus led to the death or culling of 17,000 chickens, with authorities implementing containment procedures within a 10-kilometer radius of the site [6].
In response to the outbreak, China, Brazil's top chicken importer, imposed a 60-day ban on all poultry imports from the country [15][17]. The European Union, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay have also halted Brazilian poultry imports [1][3][7]. These trade restrictions pose a significant threat to Brazil's poultry industry, which exported $10 billion worth of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for about 35% of global trade [15][17].
Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro stated that while China has implemented a country-wide ban, agreements with Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia would restrict shipments only from the affected state or municipality [22][23]. The Brazilian government has activated contingency plans to contain the outbreak and maintain the sector's productive capacity [11].
The outbreak marks the first time HPAI has been detected on a commercial poultry farm in Brazil, although the virus was first reported in wild birds in the country in May 2023 [10]. The incident has raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus and its impact on global poultry supply chains [22].
As the situation develops, Brazilian authorities are working to trace and destroy potentially contaminated products. Officials in Minas Gerais state have already destroyed 450 metric tons of eggs from Rio Grande do Sul, with more eggs traced to locations in Minas Gerais, Parana, and Rio Grande do Sul set to be destroyed [1].
The outbreak in Brazil comes amid ongoing global concerns about avian influenza. In India, recent bird flu cases in zoos have led to the temporary closure of all zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh state [30][31]. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, Canada, controversy surrounds a planned cull of nearly 400 ostriches due to avian flu concerns, with local officials and the public calling for further testing before the cull proceeds [39][40].
As the global poultry industry grapples with this latest outbreak, markets are closely watching Brazil's response and the duration of trade restrictions. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza to global food security and international trade.