Chile has suspended imports of poultry products from Santa Catarina, joining China in restricting Brazilian poultry trade after a confirmed case of Newcastle disease in a commercial farm in Nova Itaberaba. Mexico has gone further, embargoing poultry imports from all of Brazil.
The restrictions cover fertile eggs, specific-pathogen-free (SPF) eggs, day-old chicks, ornamental birds, fresh poultry meat, table eggs, and processed products containing fresh poultry meat, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa).
Outbreak timeline and detection
The case was identified during an active surveillance program run by Brazil's agricultural defense system. Sample collection occurred on September 21. Preliminary results on October 14 indicated possible infection, prompting the farm's immediate quarantine and further testing. Official confirmation came on October 18.
Agriculture Minister André de Paula said the ministry maintains technical dialogue with importing countries' veterinary authorities, providing information on the outbreak and control measures to pursue safe trade resumption.
Containment measures
Mapa has launched eradication operations at the affected property, including culling birds and disinfecting facilities. Interim Agricultural Defense Secretary Allan Alvarenga said studies are underway to begin the procedure as quickly as possible. Production restart depends on completing sanitary protocols and confirming no new cases.
Surveillance extends to three neighboring municipalities — Nova Erechim, Coronel Freitas, and Águas Frias — encompassing 133 farms in the monitoring zone. A sanitary emergency declaration for the four municipalities was expected on October 19. The government does not currently plan to request additional budget for the response.
Path to trade recovery
Authorities will monitor for two 21-day incubation cycles, totaling 42 days. Under World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, Brazil can regain Newcastle-disease-free status after 90 days without new cases. Alvarenga said the government has requested WOAH to shorten this period, but the update has not yet been implemented.
The outbreak represents a targeted disruption to Santa Catarina's poultry sector, Brazil's second-largest chicken-producing state and a key exporter. Analysts cited by CNN Brasil expect the embargoes to have limited impact if containment succeeds, with restrictions potentially lifted by November.