Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 16th (local time) that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has occurred for the first time in a commercial poultry farm in Brazil, which is considered the world's largest poultry exporter.
Brazilian authorities said, "HPAI was confirmed at a commercial poultry raising facility in the Monchingu region of Rio Grande do Sul, and although the virus is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, emergency plans are being implemented to maintain production capacity in this institutional sector, ensure supply, and preserve food security."
They also noted, "There is assurance regarding the safety of products after inspection, and there are no restrictions on consumption," adding that "international organizations and Brazil's trading partners have been informed of the related situation."
This marks the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza has emerged in Brazil's commercial poultry facilities, which is the world's top exporter and the second largest producer of chicken (the United States ranks first, according to the announcement by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs). Notably, Rio Grande do Sul, along with Santa Catarina and Paraná, accounts for 60% of Brazil's total chicken production.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brazil is a major poultry exporter, accounting for 14% of the global chicken production. Last year, it recorded exports worth $10 billion (approximately 14 trillion won).
Major countries that import Brazilian chicken and eggs are expected to face rising prices at the dinner table for some time. Associated Press and Reuters reported that major countries worldwide have been imposing bans on Brazilian chicken. Notably, China has decided to suspend imports of Brazilian poultry for 60 days.
The United States has significantly increased imports of Brazilian eggs since late last year due to supply issues. The United Arab Emirates and Japan, which import in hundreds of thousands of tons, are also reported to be taking follow-up measures such as temporarily halting imports.
South Korea is also expected to seek alternative suppliers, as it heavily relies on Brazilian poultry for most of its frozen chicken market. According to data from the Korea Meat Industry Distribution and Export Association, South Korea imported 40,521 tons of chicken from Brazil out of a total import volume of 51,147 tons last year, which is approximately 88%.