South Korea has suspended imports of poultry and related products from Brazil after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak was confirmed recently at a commercial farm in the Latin American country.
South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the measure follows Brazil’s official report to the World Organization for Animal Health confirming an HPAI outbreak at a breeder farm in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.
- Imports of Brazilian poultry products, including hatching eggs and day-old chicks, have been suspended, effective for shipments departing on or after May 15, the Ministry said.
- Shipments that departed within 14 days before the ban will undergo HPAI testing upon arrival.
It marked the first time HPAI has been detected at a commercial poultry farm in Brazil, although it was first reported in wild birds in May 2023.
Brazil is the world’s largest chicken exporter.
| There are currently 37 shipments, totaling 844 tons of Brazilian chicken meat, awaiting quarantine clearance at Korean ports. |
Given the timing of shipment and the virus’ incubation period, the Ministry said there is no immediate concern over contamination and the products will be processed through regular quarantine procedures.