Bird Flu in Top Chicken Exporter Brazil Triggers Trade Restrictions

Outbreak the first on a commercial farm; China among states banning imports

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SAO PAULO - Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm on May 16, triggering a country-wide trade ban from China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers.

The outbreak in southern Brazil was identified at a farm supplying Vibra Foods, a Brazilian operation backed by Tyson Foods of the US, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Vibra and Tyson did not immediately respond to questions. Vibra has 15 processing plants in Brazil and exports to over 60 countries, according to its website.

Brazil exported US$10 billion (S$13 billion) of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for about 35 percent of global trade.

Much of that came from meat processors BRF and JBS, which ship to some 150 countries.

China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are among the main destinations for Brazil's chicken exports.

Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on May 16 that under existing protocols, countries including China, South Korea and European Union states would ban poultry imports from Brazil for 60 days.

Argentina said it was suspending imports of all Brazilian poultry products until its neighbour is found free of bird flu.