On May 16, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) officially confirmed the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI – H5N1) in a commercial breeder hen farm located in the municipality of Montenegro, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This is the first occurrence of the virus in a commercial production setting in Brazil. Authorities promptly implemented strict containment, traceability, and biosecurity measures.
Following the report, the Official Veterinary Service (SVO) immediately shut down the facility, carried out sanitary culling of the remaining birds, initiated the disinfection process, and installed sanitary barriers in both perifocal and surveillance zones. MAPA also declared a 60-day animal health emergency in the municipality, through Ordinance No. 795/2025, to expedite all necessary containment actions.
Eggs from the affected farm were traced and destroyed as a precautionary measure. MAPA clarified that there is no evidence of viral contamination in the eggs, but their disposal followed Brazil’s Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza.
Food safety remains guaranteed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FAO, WOAH, and other international bodies, poultry meat and eggs are safe to consume when properly handled and cooked. Human infection is extremely rare and typically occurs only through direct contact with infected birds.
Brazilian Renderers, a sectoral project led by the Brazilian Animal Rendering Association (ABRA) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), published informative content in Portuguese, English, and Spanish on its official channels. The goal is to keep international buyers and stakeholders well-informed, with transparency and efficiency, regarding the current situation and the measures taken by Brazilian authorities.
This is an isolated case and is being addressed with the utmost seriousness. Brazil remains fully committed to animal health and the safety of its products in both domestic and international markets.