To alert passengers at airports and Brazilian producers about the risks of avian influenza, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) has launched two booklets.

The main objective of the action is to keep producing avian Brazilian disease-free. Developed by the Department of Animal Health, the material contains information on the signs of the disease among birds. Among them are the sudden increase in mortality of birds in a 72-hour period and behavioural changes such as reduced feed intake and weakness when walking.

The virus spreads from prolonged contact with infected animals, their secretions or excretions. Humans may eventually be affected by the virus but transmission from one person to another has not yet been proven. The virus can also be spread by equipment, clothing, feed, water and other contaminated objects, and can be spread to uninfected poultry.

In case of suspicion, the producer must isolate the area and seek a veterinarian and the state animal health or agricultural service.

Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken meat; in 2012, it sold product with a value of US$7.2 billion to more than 140 countries.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.