São Paulo declares state of emergency as bird flu cases rise; poultry industry on high alert

The São Paulo government has announced a state of emergency due to avian flu concerns. This decision was documented in the state’s Official Gazette on Thursday, 15th.

So far, São Paulo authorities have identified ten instances of the avian flu, primarily in migratory wild birds.

This move aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture’s advice for states to take precautionary emergency measures.

The identified cases are confined to two bird species, and of the 15 discovered, 14 were along the São Paulo coast.

One exception was found in the city in July. Federal data indicates the earliest case in Ubatuba on June 5 and the most recent in Santos on July 26.

One suspected case in São Sebastião involving a migratory bird is under investigation.

Authorities are vigilant due to the state’s significant poultry and egg production. While the flu doesn’t transfer to humans via food, it’s highly infectious among birds.

An infected bird can potentially devastate an entire poultry farm, impacting local production and reducing product availability.

Moreover, if a commercial farm is affected, the area’s — or even the state’s or country’s — exports might be halted.

Brazil ranks as the world’s leading chicken meat exporter, with São Paulo being a significant contributor and the largest egg producer in the country.

However, both São Paulo’s and Brazil’s food industry remain untouched by avian flu.

In Brazil, 77 cases have been reported, with none from commercial farms; 75 involve wild birds and two in domestic birds.