Watt Poultry The news of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian flu virus detected in wild birds in Brazil will change the world forever.
Once upon a time there was a country with no reported avian flu cases. This country happens to be the largest chicken exporter in the world. In fact, many other countries depend on its chicken meat. But not only that – other countries rely on its genetic material. The absence of avian flu in its territory was used as a wonderful marketing weapon. A fantastic, idyllic way to show that things can be done well.
Until yesterday, this country was Brazil – with a powerful, well-organized, hi-tech poultry industry, the envy of many. But the avian flu virus is relentless. North America is an example, with Canada, the U.S. and its multiple cases, with Mexico and its long-term vaccination routine.
Then going down south, with cases in Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama) and then snowballing to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. The entire continent! The only one missing was Brazil. Many wonder what was going on down there, saying the virus was already there, but not detected or reported. It was just matter of time, I guess.
My point of view is that the Brazilian poultry industry has always been very cautious and well-managed. I have been down there, and I have not been allowed to certain poultry facilities, because I was coming from Mexico. Although I am in the poultry industry, I am in media not in farms, but I applauded the decision and respected it.
It is important to highlight that the detection and reporting of HPAI virus infection was recorded in two migratory seabirds. It did not occur within the poultry industry. Therefore, it does not affect the disease-free status of Brazil. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) member countries should not impose prohibitions on international trade of Brazilians poultry products. Period.
The world needs Brazilian chicken and Brazilian poultry genetics. If not, it would be a disaster that could impact as far back in the supply chain as grains and oilseeds. We just need to hope that the virus will not jump to the industry, as it happened in Argentina.
Additionally, one cannot stop thinking – are rules going to be modified? Can international regulations be redefined and changed? Let’s hope for the best. The poultry world is different after this.