Japan eases bird flu restrictions on Brazilian poultry - ABPA
New export rules boost trade prospects with key chicken meat importer
28 March 2025
1 minute read
By: Japan approved a new International Health Certificate (CSI) for avian influenza, allowing Brazil to maintain poultry exports from unaffected areas during localised outbreaks. The decision marked a significant win for the Brazilian government and poultry industry.
Under the updated rules, export restrictions apply only to the municipalities where bird flu cases are detected. Previously, Japan suspended imports from entire states, even when outbreaks were confined to backyard poultry. Brazil’s industrial poultry farms have never recorded a case of the disease.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) celebrated the change. “This achievement by the Ministry of Agriculture for Brazil is historic, and rationalised the measures for trade in chicken meat from Brazil to Japan in possible health situations,” said ABPA president Ricardo Santin.
Japan remains a key market for Brazilian poultry. In the first two months of 2024, Brazil exported 55.8 thousand tonnes of chicken meat to Japan, generating US$103.7 million. In 2023, total exports to Japan reached 443.2 thousand tonnes, making it Brazil’s third-largest buyer.
The revised CSI strengthens Brazil’s position in global poultry exports and helps minimise trade disruptions caused by localised outbreaks.
