Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock confirmed last week the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) on a subsistence farm with ducks, geese, teal and chickens. The detection occurred in the municipality of Serra, in the state of Espírito Santo.

It was the first detection in poultry on a subsistence farm since the pathogen's introduction to Brazil on May 15. The presence of AI in subsistence birds does not impact international trade in Brazilian poultry products. The consumption and export of poultry products remain safe.

Sanitary measures are being applied to contain and eradicate the IAAP focus, as well as surveillance actions on poultry populations in the region related to the focus are being intensified. Depending on the evolution of the investigations and the epidemiological scenario, new measures may be adopted by the Map and the Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Defense of Espírito Santo (IDAF) to prevent the spread of the virus and protect national poultry farming.

Currently, Brazil has 50 outbreaks of IAAP detected in wild birds, in the states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. Updates on the foci, as well as which affected species can be consulted in the BI Panel, made available by the ministry.