Global poultry industry and poultry trade were shocked last week by the outbreak of Newcastle disease in commercial birds in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Because of this, Rio Grande do Sul – the third largest exporter of chicken meat in the country – has been barred from shipping products to over 40 nations.
While attending the National Poultry Congress in Venezuela last week, together with my Latin American Poultry Association (ALA) fellows, we stated the following remarks:
1. The casual discovery of Newcastle disease in a sample of birds in Rio Grande do Sul is part of systematic epidemiological surveillance for poultry disease outbreaks. This particular case was of birds that drowned after the poultry house was flooded when the roof fell by heavy hail, and the number of dead birds exceeded the mortality percentage specified to be analyzed.
2. It should be emphasized that it was a single sample identified in the tests of a particular situation. There are no signs of dissemination of incidence.
3. The farm where the detection was made was disinfected, and it should be noted that no viral activity has been detected in the perifocal area.
4. The necessary surveillance and sanitary measures are being maintained.
5. Once the sample was detected, it was immediately reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
6. The self-embargo announced by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was expected due to the health agreements signed by Brazil.
7. In order to maintain transparency, the Brazilian government reported on the situation in a timely manner and made available all the necessary information to the authorities of all countries with which it maintains trade relations.
8. It is advised that alarm should not be created in this regard, and that the case should be proportionately treated. It is not a health crisis, but a specific situation.
9. It should be noted that the Newcastle disease virus behaves in a completely different manner from that of avian influenza. It is considerably stable, without serotype variations. All vaccines available in the market are suitable to protect.
10. It should also be remembered that there is no risk to consumers.
After the Brazilian government declared on Friday the state of animal health emergency in Rio Grande do Sul, exports of poultry meat and poultry products to 44 countries were suspended. Suspension will last for at least 21 days, and restrictions vary in products and areas depending on the trade agreement with each of the countries.
It must be emphasized that this case should be treated as it is: an isolated outbreak of a particular case.
What do you think?
