SA lifts restrictions on Brazilian poultry imports amid avian flu concerns

THE Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, officially announced on Friday that South Africa will lift its import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil, effective 4 July 2025.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This decision comes in response to extensive discussions between South African veterinary authorities and their Brazilian counterparts, culminating in a resolution that addresses health concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The HPAI outbreak, first detected on 15 May 2025 in the municipality of Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, has since been contained.

Steenhuisen confirmed that the stamping out measures, which included the depopulation and thorough disinfection of the affected premises, were executed in line with the standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

"The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025," he said.

On 4 July 2025, a bilateral technical meeting was convened between the South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities, resulting in the creation of a revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) certifying Brazil's freedom from HPAI.