Brazil’s Santa Catarina state announced Thursday that bird flu was not detected at a commercial chicken farm after lab tests, but the federal government continues to classify it as a suspected case, prolonging trade anxieties for the world’s largest chicken exporter.
Key Developments
🔬 Conflicting Results:
- Santa Catarina’s lab: No bird flu found; final tests due in a week.
- Federal stance: Farm remains on “suspected” list pending verification.
🦠 Outbreak Context: - Brazil’s first commercial farm case was confirmed last week in Rio Grande do Sul, triggering global trade bans.
- 12 potential outbreaks under watch (mostly wild/backyard birds).
Trade & Economic Impact
🚫 Export Bans: Major buyers (China, EU, Japan) halted shipments from Rio Grande do Sul—which produces 12% of Brazil’s chickens.
📉 Market Jitters: Uncertainty persists despite Tocantins state also ruling out bird flu this week.
🔄 Recovery Timeline: If no new cases emerge, Brazil could be declared bird-flu-free in 28 days.
What’s Next?
- Final Tests: Federal confirmation expected within 7 days.
- Export Resumption: Bans may ease if commercial farms stay clean.
- Farmer Pressure: Industry urges swift resolution to avoid $10B+ export losses.
Brazil’s Santa Catarina Rules Out Bird Flu in Commercial Flock as Export Fears Linger