South Africa will partially lift its suspension on poultry and poultry product imports from Brazil starting 19 June 2025. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, confirmed the decision following the receipt of a second report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The report detailed that the recent poultry disease outbreak had been successfully contained to a single state.
This partial lifting follows a thorough review by the Department of Agriculture and reflects growing international confidence in Brazil’s containment efforts. South Africa now joins several other countries that have also partially eased import bans, acknowledging that Brazil remains a key global supplier of poultry and related products. The Minister noted that the suspension could be reimposed if the outbreak is found to have spread to other states within Brazil.
Risk Assessments and Health Safety Measures
The Department’s veterinary services engaged with their Brazilian counterparts to evaluate the outbreak’s scope, the steps taken to control it, and whether any new outbreaks had occurred on other farms or in other regions. Brazilian authorities reported that poultry products from areas beyond a 10-kilometre radius of the outbreak zone were unaffected and posed no health risks.
South African authorities have emphasised that the decision was based on verified data, and public health remains the top priority. The collaboration ensured that all imported products are sourced from regions that are confirmed safe.
Minister’s Statement and Ongoing Monitoring
Minister Steenhuisen expressed confidence in the decision, stating, “We are glad that, a month after the outbreak was reported in Brazil, we have been able to assess and confirm that risks associated with the importation of poultry and poultry products from Brazil are insignificant. We are closely monitoring the situation.”
The Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor developments and maintain communication with Brazilian authorities to ensure the safety of poultry imports remains intact.