Newcastle Disease Outbreak Hits Brazilian Poultry Farm

Brazil's Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro announced measures to contain Newcastle disease in Rio Grande do Sul. The outbreak led to the death of around 7,000 birds. Sanitary protocols are in place, and major poultry importers have been notified due to potential trade impacts.

Brazilian authorities are taking steps to contain an outbreak of Newcastle disease at a poultry farm in Rio Grande do Sul, as announced by Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro during a press conference on Thursday. Approximately 7,000 birds, representing 50% of the affected farm's flock, have perished.

Newcastle disease is a viral illness that impacts both domestic and wild birds, causing severe respiratory issues among other symptoms, and often leads to death. Notifications of the disease are mandatory according to World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. The last reported cases in Brazil occurred in 2006 in subsistence birds in Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Rio Grande do Sul.

Favaro commended Brazil's sanitary protocols, stating the affected area has been isolated with no further outbreaks detected nearby. As the world's largest chicken exporter, Brazil has informed its buyers, including China and the European Union, of the outbreak. It remains unclear if any countries have enacted trade bans.

The agriculture ministry confirmed the outbreak through a positive test from a commercial poultry farm in Anta Gorda. An industry source suggested cold weather might have exacerbated the deaths. ABPA, a meat lobby, stated that official mitigation protocols are in effect and the area is under continuous monitoring.

(With inputs from agencies.)