Historic outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
On May 15, 2025, Brazil confirmed its first-ever case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N1, in a commercial poultry farm located in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. This marks a significant shift for the country, which had previously only detected the virus in wild birds.
Immediate sanitary measures and containment
The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) swiftly activated its National Contingency Plan. The affected farm, which housed approximately 17,000 birds, experienced a mortality rate of nearly 100% in one aviary. All remaining birds were culled to prevent further spread. Authorities established a 10-kilometer surveillance zone and implemented 24-hour disinfection checkpoints for vehicles transporting animals and feed.
No risk to human consumption
MAPA in Brazil emphasized that there is no risk to human health from consuming poultry meat or eggs, provided they have passed sanitary inspection. The virus is not transmitted through food, and human infections are rare, typically limited to those in close contact with infected birds.
International trade impact
The outbreak has already had international repercussions. China, one of Brazil’s largest poultry importers, suspended purchases of Brazilian chicken for 60 days. This is a significant blow to Brazil, the world’s leading exporter of poultry meat. The Brazilian government has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and its trade partners to maintain transparency and manage the crisis diplomatically.
Wildlife and zoo closures in Brazil
In addition to the commercial outbreak, over 90 wild birds, including swans and ducks, were found dead in the Sapucaia do Sul Zoo, prompting its temporary closure. Authorities are investigating whether these deaths are linked to the same H5N1 strain.
A wake-up call for the poultry industry
This unprecedented event has raised alarms across the global poultry industry. Brazil’s preparedness, built over two decades of veterinary training and biosecurity planning, is now being put to the test. The country’s response in the coming weeks will be critical in determining the extent of the outbreak’s impact on food security and international trade.
Sources: Available upon request