Argentina has officially suspended poultry imports from Brazil after the South American giant confirmed its first outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial poultry farm.
The announcement came on Saturday from Argentina’s National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA), citing the need to protect local biosecurity.
The suspension follows confirmation by Brazilian authorities on Friday of a bird flu outbreak at a facility owned by Vibra Foods in southern Brazil.
Vibra operates 15 poultry processing plants and exports its products to over 60 countries worldwide.
In a public statement, SENASA said it had instructed the Argentine poultry industry to enhance biosecurity measures at all production sites. These emergency restrictions will remain in effect until Brazil is declared free of the disease.
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has already initiated nationwide trade restrictions in response to the outbreak. The affected facility marks the first time avian influenza has been detected in a Brazilian commercial poultry farm, sparking global concerns over supply chain stability.
In 2024, Brazil’s chicken meat exports were valued at about $10 billion, accounting for nearly 35% of global poultry trade. The suspension by Argentina could be a precursor to further international restrictions, depending on how the situation unfolds.
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