The Omani government no longer requires additional proof of vaccination against the H5N1 virus, which causes avian flu, for poultry exported from Brazil.

“This will make the [cargo] registration process swifter and cheaper,” said Ricardo Santin, the vice president for poultry of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA, in the Portuguese acronym), regarding the advantageous impact of the Arab country’s decision on Brazilian poultry exports to Oman.

Mr Santin said that the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has already attested that Brazil is free from H5N1 contamination, and now the Omani government is acknowledging this fact.

“This prevents the same work from being performed twice by embassies and reduces [export-related] paperwork,” he said.

Mr Santin explained that since it is disease-free, Brazil has never vaccinated its poultry against avian flu. Nonetheless, shipping to Oman required additional statements issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply attesting to the good health of the birds.

ABPA figures show that from January through May, Brazil shipped 27,604 tonnes of poultry to Oman.

Mr Santin said that shipped volume was up 2.9 per cent from the same period last year. “The operations are well-structured and positive,” he noted.

He said the elimination of the requirement for additional certification is important, for it is “a public confirmation of confidence in Brazil’s system.”

“This will facilitate our existing business. Oman is a great client,” Mr Satin added.