Avian Flu Outbreak in Brazil: EU and Argentina Halt Chicken Imports

Avian flu outbreak in Brazil triggers international trade halt. The recent detection of avian flu in a commercial farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, has led to immediate trade sanctions from major importers. The European Union and Argentina have suspended imports of Brazilian chicken, a significant blow to Brazil's poultry industry. According to Marcel Moreira, the deputy secretary of Commerce and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture, "the exports from all Brazilian states are suspended for China and the European Union." This suspension is triggered by automatic disease protocols within trade agreements. However, the agreements vary. Some countries have suspended sales only from the affected area, while others have broader restrictions. The Argentinian government's statement, while confirming a suspension, lacked specifics on the geographic scope of the ban. Brazil is actively engaging in discussions with its trading partners to address the situation and minimize economic disruption. This event underscores the interconnected nature of global food security and the importance of robust disease prevention measures.