Carlos Favaro, Minister of Agriculture for Brazil has extended the National Health Emergency imposed to prevent HPAI for an additional six months.
Favaro stated, “the fight against bird flu is an issue that deserves everyone’s attention as the spread of the disease can impact different sectors of the country”. He added, “the extension will give us more security to face this crisis without major risks.” Since May 15th, authorities in Brazil have diagnosed 139 cases of HPAI in wild birds and subsistence poultry, but surprisingly not in commercial farms as defined by the World Organization of Animal Health.
Reporting an outbreak of HPAI in commercial poultry would presumably trigger regional or state bans on shipment by importers including China and possibly Middle East nations.