Brazil working to 're-establish international trade flow' after avian flu outbreak

Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Favaro, announced that the country could declare itself free of avian flu if no new cases emerge within 28 days following the completion of disinfection at the affected farm.The announcement comes after China and the European Union suspended imports of Brazilian chicken meat due to a bird flu outbreak on a poultry farm. 

Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of chicken meat, has taken extensive measures to contain the virus.Favaro confirmed that all birds at the infected Montenegro property have been culled and all eggs destroyed. One of two poultry houses has completed disinfection, with the second currently underway. 

The 28-day period, which begins after full disinfection, will determine if the virus cycle is broken, allowing Brazil to self-declare avian flu-free and work toward restoring international trade.