Newcastle Disease: Brazil Declares Animal Health Emergency

Outbreak and Emergency Declaration

• Brazil's agriculture ministry declared an animal health emergency in Rio Grande do Sul state
• Newcastle disease detected on a poultry farm in the state
• Approximately 7,000 birds died on the farm
• Remaining 7,000 birds culled to comply with health protocols
• First confirmed case since 2006, when subsistence birds were affected in Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Rio Grande do Sul

Newcastle Disease Overview

• Viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds
• Caused by paramyxovirus
• Affects birds' respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems
• Highly contagious, spreads through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated materials
• Symptoms include loss of appetite, coughing, and discolored wattles
• No treatment available; prevention relies on vaccination and biosecurity measures
• Reporting cases is mandatory under World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines

Economic Impact and Trade Restrictions

• Brazil, the world's top chicken exporter, voluntarily halted poultry exports to some countries
• Temporary export restrictions could affect 50,000 to 60,000 metric tons of Brazilian poultry exports
• Brazil typically produces 1.2 million tons and exports 430,000 tons of poultry products monthly
• Restrictions range from all Brazilian poultry exports to products only from Rio Grande do Sul
• 44 nations affected, including China, Argentina, European Union, Japan, and Saudi Arabia
• Rio Grande do Sul accounts for 15% of Brazilian poultry production and exports
• Saudi Arabia suspended poultry imports from Rio Grande do Sul
• Japan limited restrictions to a 50-kilometer radius around the outbreak area