Chinese delegation to visit Brazil’s bird flu-hit state as poultry talks advance

BRAZIL – A Chinese inspection team is expected to arrive in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul this month, raising expectations that poultry trade between the two countries could soon resume.

The visit will assess sanitary conditions in the region after authorities confirmed a bird flu outbreak at a chicken breeder farm in May, which led to a series of trade suspensions.

Gilberto Tomazoni, chief executive of JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, said at an industry event on Wednesday that Chinese officials will evaluate the state before any decision on reopening the market is made.

He noted that talks remain unresolved, although he believes Beijing could authorise new imports once the visit concludes.

When asked if sales might restart before the end of September, Tomazoni replied that he was optimistic, though he emphasised that final approval lies with Chinese regulators.

The discussions coincide with Brazil being selected by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to host an international meeting on bird flu prevention and control later this year.

The FAO confirmed that Brazil’s measures against the disease make it a suitable location to coordinate dialogue on managing outbreaks.

According to Jorge Meza, the agency’s representative in Brazil, the country is positioned to share expertise on surveillance and training, as well as exchange experiences with other producing regions.

He added that cross-border coordination is essential since bird flu continues to affect food supplies and international trade, requiring financial commitment from both governments and the private sector.

The FAO emphasised in a statement that the global poultry industry cannot effectively manage the disease without international cooperation.

Brazil exports chicken to around 150 markets, but the discovery of the virus earlier this year triggered immediate restrictions from several of them.

Although many nations eased restrictions after the outbreak was declared contained in June, China has yet to reopen its market, keeping Brazilian exporters waiting for a resolution.

Unlike Europe and the United States, where large-scale farms have suffered extensive losses, Brazil has managed to avoid major damage to its industrial production system.

Still, smaller farms raising cage-free and free-range poultry remain vulnerable since their operations have more contact with wild birds that may carry the virus.

Meza warned that the spread of the disease to less controlled production units remains a risk factor for the wider sector.

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