Background on the Situation
Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of chicken, first detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry farm in Rio Grande do Sul in mid-May. This discovery led to restrictions from importers, including China, Brazil’s primary buyer in 2024.
Colombia’s Dependence on Brazilian Poultry Products
Colombia primarily imports fertile eggs and newly hatched chicks from Brazil, which are crucial for its poultry supply chain.
Colombia’s Response to the HPAI Outbreak
To protect its poultry industry and maintain the country as HPAI-free, Colombia’s National Agricultural Institute (ICA) announced a temporary halt on poultry imports from Brazil.
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza poses a severe threat to our national poultry industry due to its high morbidity, mortality rates, and trade restrictions,” stated Paula Andrea Cepeda, General Manager of ICA.
The ICA emphasized implementing immediate zoosanitary measures to prevent virus introduction and spread within Colombia.
Other Countries’ Actions
Previously, countries like Argentina and Mexico also suspended poultry imports from Brazil due to the HPAI outbreak.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)? HPAI, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds, causing severe illness and death.
- Why is Brazil’s HPAI outbreak significant? As the world’s largest chicken exporter, any disruptions in Brazil’s poultry industry can have global repercussions, affecting supply chains and prices.
- What poultry products does Colombia import from Brazil? Colombia mainly imports fertile eggs and newly hatched chicks from Brazil to support its poultry supply chain.
- What measures has Colombia taken to protect its poultry industry? The National Agricultural Institute (ICA) has temporarily halted poultry imports from Brazil and implemented immediate zoosanitary measures to prevent HPAI introduction and spread.
- Which other countries have taken similar actions? Argentina and Mexico have also suspended poultry imports from Brazil due to the HPAI outbreak.
