Brazil declares animal health emergency after several cases found

Brazil has declared a six-month animal health emergency after the discovery of avian flu cases in wild birds. Seven cases have been reported in Espirito Santo state – with another case found in Rio de Janeiro. The declaration enables the government to implement measures to prevent the highly contagious H5N1 virus from spreading. 

Brazil, known as the world’s largest exporter of chicken meat with annual sales of nearly $10 billion (£8 billion), aims to contain the outbreak swiftly. The reported cases were found far from the country’s primary production areas in the southern region. However, previous incidents have shown that outbreaks in commercial flocks can follow the identification of avian flu cases in wild birds.

The detection of avian flu on a farm often leads to the culling of a significant number of birds and can result in trade restrictions imposed by other countries. As a precautionary measure, a nationwide health emergency has been declared for 180 days in Brazil.

Since October 2021, the world has been facing the most severe bird flu outbreak on record, causing a higher number of fatalities among wild birds. Some mammals have also been affected by the disease. While scientists are uncertain about the reasons behind the severity of this outbreak, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has reported devastating consequences for animal health and welfare.