Brazil, the world’s largest chicken meat exporter, welcomed China’s decision on Friday to lift its import ban following earlier bird flu outbreaks this year. Both China and the European Union had suspended Brazilian chicken imports in May, but Brazil declared itself bird flu-free in June and resumed exports.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) confirmed that major importers, including China and recently the EU, have reopened their markets to Brazilian chicken products. This reopening followed extensive diplomatic efforts by the Brazilian government.
China was previously Brazil’s biggest chicken meat importer, bringing in 228,200 tons from January to May, worth $545.8 million. The global spread of avian flu in recent years has caused widespread poultry culling, some human fatalities, and increased egg prices.
While avian flu can cause severe illness with high mortality in humans, it rarely transmits between people. Most human cases have involved close contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments, according to the World Health Organization.
