Newcastle Disease Confirmed at Brazilian Farm, Chicken Exports to China May Face Suspension（Oct 21）

Newcastle Disease Confirmed at Brazilian Farm, Chicken Exports to China May Face Suspension

Source: Foodmate.net / South American Chinese News

https://news.foodmate.net/2026/10/755287.html

On October 19, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) confirmed a Newcastle disease case at a commercial turkey farm in Nova Itaberaba, Santa Catarina, with approximately 6,000 poultry on the premises. Brazil's chicken exports to China face the possibility of a temporary suspension.

According to Brazilian website Exame, the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) stated that under the animal health agreement between the two countries, the suspension of exports would be implemented after MAPA officially issues relevant measures. As of press time, MAPA's International Relations Office (SRI) had not yet received any notification regarding the export suspension.

China is the primary export destination for Brazilian chicken. ABPA data shows that from January to September this year, China imported 420,000 tons of Brazilian chicken, with a trade value of 1.156 billion reais. Last year, Brazil's chicken exports to China reached 250,200 tons, with a trade value of 605 million reais.

MAPA stated that the case was discovered during active surveillance by the agricultural health defense agency. Samples were collected on September 21, and preliminary laboratory results last week indicated possible Newcastle disease virus infection. The farm then suspended operations and underwent further testing, with final results confirmed positive on October 18.

MAPA noted that the poultry on the farm showed no clinical signs of the disease, but test results detected viral genetic material. Allan Alvarenga, acting head of MAPA's Agricultural Defense Office (SDA), explained that under World Organisation for Animal Health standards, the test result is classified as positive.

MAPA Minister Andre de Paula stated at a press conference in Brasilia on October 19: "It is important to emphasize that consuming this meat does not pose a risk to human health."

Following the outbreak news, shares of BRF, Brazil's major chicken exporter, fell 4.37% on the Brazilian stock exchange (B3) on October 19, making it the biggest decliner of the day.

After confirming the Newcastle disease case, MAPA activated outbreak response procedures, including culling poultry on the farm, cleaning and disinfecting facilities, and inspecting nearby farms.

The surveillance operation covers four municipalities in Santa Catarina: Nova Itaberaba, Nova Erechim, Coronel Freitas, and Aguas Frias, with 133 farms included in the monitoring scope.

The federal government also plans to issue an administrative order declaring a health emergency in the four municipalities. Authorities will continue monitoring the area for two incubation periods of 21 days each, totaling 42 days.

Alvarenga stated that under current health regulations, Brazil could regain Newcastle disease-free status after 90 days. The government has applied to the World Organisation for Animal Health to shorten this period, but the adjustment has not yet been implemented.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting poultry. The World Organisation for Animal Health states that the virus can also infect humans, but cases are extremely rare, typically causing only mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis, eye redness, and eye irritation, without serious complications.

Human infection mainly occurs through direct contact with infected poultry or exposure to virus-contaminated environments. Poultry farming and related workers are high-risk groups. Transmission among poultry occurs primarily through aerosols and secretions from infected birds, and may also spread through contaminated equipment, feed, and various farming facilities.

MAPA emphasized that the virus's potential to infect humans does not mean that properly handled and cooked poultry meat poses a transmission risk.