Brazil's Bird Flu Battle: Lessons and Risks

Brazil is set to share its experiences with bird flu at an upcoming global conference, hosted by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Despite having its first bird flu outbreak this past May on a chicken farm, Brazil's quick response and strong safety measures have earned it this platform.

The Global Impact of Bird Flu

Bird flu is a worldwide concern, affecting not just poultry but also dairy cows, cats, and even humans. The disease has led to massive culling of poultry and trade bans, impacting Brazil, a major chicken exporter significantly, especially from its top buyer, China.

Brazil's Strong Biosecurity Protocols

Jorge Meza, FAO's representative for Brazil, highlighted the country's strong biosecurity protocols. He believes Brazil has valuable lessons to share with other countries. Meza emphasized the need for regional cooperation, information sharing, and adopting best practices to strengthen national systems. The FAO stressed that tackling bird flu requires a united effort from both public and private sectors.

Ongoing Risks and Challenges

While Brazil has managed to control the outbreak, there are still risks. Smaller chicken and egg producers, especially those raising cage-free or free-range chickens, face higher exposure to infected wildlife. Mapping all chicken farms, big and small, is crucial for better risk management and quick response during emergencies.

Trade Implications

Brazil exports chicken to about 150 countries. Some importers have lifted trade restrictions after Brazil controlled the outbreak in June. However, China, the largest buyer, has not resumed imports yet. The FAO expert Andres Gonzalez pointed out that mapping farms helps in disseminating best practices and applying control measures swiftly.