Brazil Detects Bird Flu in Wild Birds, Probes Potential Commercial Farm Outbreak

Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry reported new bird flu cases in wild migratory birds in Minas Gerais state on Tuesday, while investigating a potential outbreak on a commercial poultry farm in Rio Grande do Sul—the same region where the country’s first-ever commercial farm infection was confirmed earlier this month.

Key Developments

🦜 Wild Bird Cases:

• Detected in Mateus Leme (Minas Gerais); deemed “natural” due to migratory patterns.
• No immediate trade impact, per officials.

🏭 Commercial Farm Alert:

• Suspected case in Anta Gorda (Rio Grande do Sul)—a town with a history of Newcastle disease.
• Preliminary tests negative in Tocantins farm investigation.

🌎 Trade Fallout:

• Over 50 countries imposed bans after the Montenegro outbreak (June 2025).
• Brazil’s chicken exports ($10B/year) face prolonged disruptions if commercial cases multiply.

Why It Matters

⚠️ Export Crisis:

• Nationwide bans could trigger if another commercial farm tests positive.
• Rio Grande do Sul produces 12% of Brazil’s chickens.
  🔬 Containment Efforts:
• 12 potential outbreaks under investigation (mostly wild/backyard birds).
• 28-day countdown to “bird-flu-free” status paused pending test results.

What’s Next?

• Anta Gorda Verdict: Confirmation expected within 48 hours.
• Global Buyers on Edge: China, EU, Japan monitoring closely.
• Industry Pressure: Farmers urge fast-tracked testing to resume exports.