Brazil has officially declared the end of the Newcastle disease outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, marking an important milestone for the poultry industry. This development is crucial for the region as it aims to restore normalcy in poultry operations and resume international trade.
The outbreak, caused by a highly contagious virus, was initially confirmed on July 17, 2024, at a commercial poultry farm in the municipality of Anta Gorda. Newcastle disease affects both domestic and wild birds, resulting in high mortality rates and severe economic consequences, including trade restrictions.
In response to the outbreak, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) quickly took action to contain the virus. They established a zoosanitary emergency area that included Anta Gorda, Doutor Ricardo, Putinga, Ilópolis, and Relvado. Federal and state teams implemented rigorous control and surveillance measures within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected area to prevent the disease’s spread.
The outbreak had a significant impact on Brazil’s poultry exports, leading to a temporary suspension of shipments from the affected region. This suspension disrupted trade with several key partners, including China, Argentina, Peru, and Mexico. Given that Rio Grande do Sul is the third-largest chicken meat exporter in Brazil, the outbreak resulted in notable economic losses. In the first half of the year, the state exported 354,000 tons of chicken meat, generating $630 million in revenue.
To eradicate the disease, a comprehensive monitoring and testing protocol was implemented. The affected farm was under continuous surveillance for 42 days to ensure no traces of the virus remained. During this period, no new cases were reported, and the farm was eventually deemed safe to resume operations. Additionally, other farms within the emergency zone were subject to specific checks to confirm the absence of the virus before lifting restrictions.
Brazil’s efforts to control and eradicate the outbreak involved close coordination with international organizations and trade partners. The government maintained regular communication with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and importing countries, providing updates on the situation and the measures taken. This transparency was vital for maintaining trust and facilitating the eventual resumption of exports.
With the successful containment of the Newcastle disease outbreak, Brazil is now preparing to restart its poultry exports. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has informed importing countries and the WOAH about the resolution of the outbreak, paving the way for lifting trade restrictions and normalizing poultry exports from Rio Grande do Sul.
The outbreak has underscored the importance of strong biosecurity measures and rapid response protocols in the poultry industry. The Brazilian government has emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness to prevent future outbreaks. Key strategies include enhanced surveillance, early detection, and swift containment actions, all crucial for protecting the poultry sector and ensuring stability in international trade.
The official declaration of the end of the Newcastle disease outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul showcases the effectiveness of Brazil’s disease management and control efforts. The prompt response, thorough monitoring, and transparent communication have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of the outbreak and restoring confidence in the country’s poultry industry. As exports resume, the lessons learned will serve as a foundation for future resilience and preparedness.