The Department of Agriculture in South Africa announced that it will not impose a blanket ban on poultry and poultry products imported from Brazil following a Newcastle disease outbreak in the state of Santa Catarina. Brazil notified South Africa of the outbreak on October 20, prompting an assessment of the potential implications for poultry imports. The assessment considered the existing veterinary health agreements between the two countries.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the existing agreements allow trade in fresh poultry meat, hatching eggs, and day-old chicks to continue, provided exporters meet strict animal health and certification requirements. These requirements are in place to ensure that the risk of disease transmission is minimized. The department has requested Brazilian veterinary authorities to ensure all consignments destined for South Africa comply with the relevant certification requirements.
For fresh poultry meat, specific requirements must be met, including that the birds must come from premises where no cases of Newcastle disease have occurred in the previous six months, including within a 10km radius. Additionally, the abattoir and cutting plant must be located outside an infected zone. These measures aim to safeguard animal health in South Africa while allowing trade to continue.
Hatching eggs and day-old chicks are also subject to specific requirements. Farms and relevant facilities must have been free of Newcastle disease for at least 12 months and must not be located in an infected zone. By adhering to these requirements, the risk of disease transmission can be effectively managed.
The Department of Agriculture appreciates Brazil's prompt notification of the outbreak and the continued cooperation between the two countries' veterinary authorities. This cooperation is essential in managing the risks associated with disease outbreaks and ensuring that trade can continue safely.
The measures implemented will allow trade to continue while protecting animal health in South Africa. By working together, South Africa and Brazil can minimize the impact of disease outbreaks on trade and ensure the continued exchange of poultry products.
The decision not to impose a blanket ban on Brazilian poultry imports reflects the confidence of the Department of Agriculture in the existing veterinary health agreements between the two countries. These agreements provide a framework for safe trade practices that can be implemented to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Key points
- South Africa will not impose a blanket ban on poultry imports from Brazil despite a Newcastle disease outbreak in Santa Catarina state.
- Existing veterinary health agreements between South Africa and Brazil allow for continued trade in poultry products under strict certification requirements.
- The Department of Agriculture has requested Brazilian authorities to ensure all poultry consignments meet relevant health and certification requirements.
