Background on the Situation
Brazil has yet to test cattle for avian influenza (avian flu) despite hundreds of cases in the US dairy industry, as the country is concentrating on poultry outbreaks, according to Brazil’s chief veterinarian.
Brazil’s Role as a Global Poultry Exporter
Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak in a poultry farm earlier this month, prompting some of its major trading partners to ban imports.
Impact on Global Poultry Industry
Avian flu has led to the culling of hundreds of millions of birds worldwide in recent years, affecting numerous mammals, including over 1,000 dairy cows in the US. This raises concerns that the virus might mutate into a form transmissible among humans.
Brazil’s Focus on Poultry Outbreaks
According to Marcelo Mota, head of Brazil’s Veterinary Services, speaking at a general session of the World Animal Health Organization in Paris, “For now, we’re focusing on the poultry industry.”
The dairy industry in Brazil is not substantial, and the country primarily raises cattle for meat rather than milk production, which has proven more vulnerable to the virus. Mota further explained, “We don’t want to increase unnecessary concern where there is no issue.”
Strong Biosecurity Measures in Brazil
Brazil’s robust biosecurity over the past two decades and its focus on production chains have been the main reasons for not reporting any avian flu outbreaks in poultry farms before, Mota highlighted.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why hasn’t Brazil tested cattle for avian flu despite US cases? A: Brazil is concentrating on poultry outbreaks and has not reported any avian flu cases in dairy cattle.
- Q: How significant is Brazil’s poultry industry? A: Brazil is the world’s largest poultry exporter.
- Q: What concerns arise from avian flu cases in the US dairy industry? A: The virus might mutate into a form transmissible among humans, raising global health concerns.
- Q: Why is Brazil not testing cattle for avian flu? A: There is no reported avian flu in Brazil’s dairy industry, and the country prioritizes poultry outbreaks.
- Q: What makes Brazil’s dairy industry less vulnerable to avian flu? A: Brazil primarily raises cattle for meat, not milk production, which has shown greater vulnerability to the virus.
