Background on the Situation
The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero de Chile (SAG) announced the temporary suspension of poultry product imports from Argentina due to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This decision comes after the Argentine National Service of Agricultural Health and Quality (Senasa) reported the HPAI case in a commercial poultry farm located in Los Toldos, Buenos Aires province.
Who is the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero de Chile (SAG)?
The SAG is a Chilean government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors. It ensures food safety, animal health, and the protection of Chile’s agricultural status. The SAG plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling animal diseases, including avian influenza.
Why is Argentina Relevant?
Argentina is a significant trading partner for Chile in the poultry sector. In the past year, Argentina accounted for 8% of Chile’s total poultry meat imports. Moreover, Argentina supplied 30% of the fresh eggs for human consumption imported by Chile.
SAG’s Measures and Impact
In response to the HPAI outbreak, SAG requested Senasa to suspend export certifications for various poultry-related products to Chile. These measures include:
- Ornamental, recreational, and pet birds
- Fresh, chilled, or frozen poultry meat, along with edible heads and feet
- Human-consumption eggs with shells
- Processed poultry products containing fresh poultry meat or fresh poultry components
SAG also stated that products with production dates starting from August 5th will not be allowed to enter Chile.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for Chile’s temporary suspension of poultry imports from Argentina? The SAG took this action due to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak reported in an Argentine commercial poultry farm.
- Which poultry products are affected by the import suspension? The suspension affects ornamental, recreational, and pet birds; fresh, chilled, or frozen poultry meat; edible heads and feet; human-consumption eggs with shells; and processed poultry products containing fresh poultry meat or fresh poultry components.
- What percentage of Chile’s poultry imports came from Argentina in the past year? Argentina accounted for 8% of Chile’s total poultry meat imports and supplied 30% of the fresh eggs for human consumption imported by Chile.
- When did the production date restriction take effect? Products with production dates starting from August 5th will not be allowed to enter Chile.
