Brazilian states are intensifying preventative measures after the Ministry of Agriculture declared May 22 a 180-day state of emergency due to increasing cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds. While no cases have been detected in commercial flocks, the world’s largest chicken exporter is on high alert.

“The declaration of a state of zoosanitary emergency makes it possible to mobilize funds from the Union and to articulate with other ministries, governmental organizations - at the three levels: federal, state and municipal - and non-governmental organizations. This whole process is to ensure the workforce, logistics, financial resources and technological materials necessary to carry out emergency actions aimed at preventing the spread of the disease,” explained Minister Carlos Fávaro.

The Federal Laboratory for Agricultural Defense of São Paulo (LFDA-SP), a reference unit of the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA), confirmed May 22 three new positive cases for avian influenza (H5N1) in the state of Espírito Santo. So far, there are eight confirmed cases in wild birds, seven in the state of Espírito Santo, in the municipalities of Marataízes, Cariacica, Vitória, Nova Venécia, Linhares and Itapemirim, and one case in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in São João da Barra.

The Agricultural Defense Agency (Adapar) in Paraná, which is responsible for almost 37% of Brazilian poultry production and approximately 40% of exports, has been reinforcing the importance of biosecurity, emphasizing the role and responsibility of the producer to protect their property, maintain security measures to avoid contamination, and, in case of suspicion of the disease, urgently notify Adapar. Paraná is the largest animal production state in Brazil, with around 6.2 million tons of poultry, pork, and cattle a year, of which chickens represent 4.8 million tons.

MAPA has warned the country’s population not to collect the birds they find sick or dead and to activate the nearest veterinary service to prevent the disease from spreading.

There are no changes in the Brazilian IAAP-free status before the World Organization for Animal Health, as there are no commercial cases.