In a recent press release, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) said it will support the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil in the negotiations for the restoration of exports of chicken meat from Mato Grosso do Sul to Japan.

As informed by the ministry, the Japanese health authorities recently suspended shipments from the South Mato Grosso poultry farm, after the registration of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard bottom bird.

Monthly, Mato Grosso do Sul exports around 2,500 tons of chicken meat to Japan - equivalent to 0.7% of Brazil's total monthly exports.

All exporting units present in the state are from companies that maintain plants in other federal units. The expectation is that there will be a reorganization of the export flow so that the impacts generated by the Japanese decision are minimised.

It should be remembered that, despite the understanding of the Japanese authorities on the issue, the recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHOA), which has been followed by all other countries, indicate suspension of shipments only in occurrences in commercial production, which has never occurred in Brazil. Exactly for this reason, Brazil remains recognised by OMSA as free of avian influenza.

Finally, ABPA reinforces that all international human and animal health agencies attest that food is not a transmitter of the disease. In addition, ABPA recommends that, if you identify any bird with symptoms of the disease (such as staggering walking, crooked neck and other abnormal signs in the animal), immediately call the nearest veterinary service, and do not touch the bird.