Japan halts poultry imports from Brazilian state after bird flu at non-commercial farm
The decision comes a day after the southeastern state of Espirito Santo declared a bird flu outbreak among domesticated animals on a farm with ducks, mallards, geese and chickens, which was Brazil's first case seen in birds that are not wild.
The lobby group ABPA questioned the halt by Japan, which it said does not currently import poultry from the state, adding that the decision "is not in line with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOA)".
Brazil's agriculture ministry said in a statement that it questioned Japan's government regarding its decision, given that the confirmation of the case does not change Brazil's status before WHOA and the import ban "is not agreed to in the health protocol between both parties".
Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, first confirmed outbreaks among wild birds on May 15, and has since recorded 50 outbreaks of the disease in wild birds in seven states.
"It is worth remembering that industrial poultry farming in Brazil continues without any record of the disease", ABPA said.
Japan was Brazil's third largest poultry importer in 2022, according to ABPA.
The ABPA also points out that, according to all international health agencies, there is no risk in consuming the products.
Finally, ABPA also points out that the sanitary protocols maintained by the industrial poultry industry in Brazil maintain the highest standards of biosecurity, preserving the production units against the disease.
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