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Isolated Case Was Reported On May 15; Authorities Claim That Cooked Foods Pose No Risk And Reinforce Sanitary Prevention Measures
On May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) confirmed the first focus of H5N1 avian influenza in a commercial farm in Brazil. Furthermore, Brazilian authorities, immediately after the confirmation, notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), as required by international sanitary protocols. The responsible institutions quickly addressed the case, which occurred in the city of Montenegro, located in Rio Grande do Sul. Thus, although the situation is concerning, the measures adopted follow global guidelines, thus ensuring the control of the outbreak. Although the record has generated attention, Mapa reported that there is no risk associated with the consumption of properly cooked chicken meat or eggs. Experts from the Butantan Institute and Fiocruz explain that temperatures above 74 °C eliminate the virus. Thus, foods prepared correctly continue to be considered safe by health authorities and sanitary surveillance.
Direct Contact With Infected Birds Represents Main Form Of Transmission
According to a technical note from the Ministry of Health, avian influenza is transmitted only through contact with contaminated birds or their secretions. Researcher Marilda Siqueira, from Fiocruz, emphasized that there are no records of human contagion through the consumption of properly cooked chicken or eggs. Anvisa states that, to avoid sanitary risks, it is essential to cook food well, as well as to properly clean all utensils. Moreover, it is recommended to store food correctly, as this can significantly reduce health hazards in the home environment. Thus, consumers can maintain normal consumption of these foods, adopting basic handling precautions. Additionally, these guidelines apply to any animal products, not just those related to avian influenza.
Sanitary Measures Were Activated Immediately After Confirmation Of The Focus
After identifying the focus, Mapa declared a zoosanitary emergency for 60 days, as published in the Official Gazette of the Union on May 16, 2025. This measure allowed for the sanitary culling of birds on the affected farm, as well as the installation of sanitary blockades and increased surveillance of neighboring properties. According to the Secretary of Agricultural Defense, Carlos Goulart, all actions follow the National Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza, which standardizes responses to outbreaks. Teams from the International Agricultural Surveillance (Vigiagro) also operate at strategic points to prevent the spread of the virus to other productive regions. So far, according to Mapa, there is no evidence of the virus circulating in other commercial farms in Brazil.
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Avian Influenza Impacts Exports, But Internal Market Remains Supplied
On May 16, China communicated the temporary suspension of chicken meat imports from Brazil as a preventive measure in light of the case reported in national territory. According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), the suspension affects about 20% of exports, especially those destined for the Asian market. The President of ABPA, Ricardo Santin, stated that the entity is working with the Itamaraty and ApexBrasil to deliver technical reports to international authorities. Despite the measure, the Ministry of Agriculture ensured that supply remains normal and there have been no changes in the supply to Brazilian consumers. Thus, federal agencies reinforce that the actions taken ensure epidemiological control without compromising food security in the country.
Avian Influenza Prevention: Guidelines To Maintain Safety In Food Preparation
To ensure that the population adopts safe practices in food handling, health authorities have released objective recommendations aligned with the guidelines of Anvisa and the Ministry of Health. Cook chicken and eggs to the ideal point, with a minimum temperature of 74 °C. Avoid the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. Wash hands, knives, cutting boards, and surfaces after contact with raw meats. Contact local surveillance authorities upon finding dead or sick birds. Avoid contact with wild birds without using protective equipment. Anvisa’s Director, Meiruze Freitas, stated that these actions maintain food safety even when there are isolated reports of the H5N1 virus. Therefore, the population can maintain their normal eating routine as long as they follow the technical recommendations already consolidated by the competent authorities.
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