- Following Brazil’s first outbreak in May 2025, the European Union (EU) officially recognized the country as free from bird flu, beginning negotiations to resume chicken imports to the EU. EU Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare Oliver Varhelyi stated that Brazilian authorities had provided sufficient data to demonstrate the country’s bird flu-free status, which will allow EU member states to begin discussions to gradually lift the bans and restrictions on exports from Brazil.
- Through June, the EU imported 125,300 metric tons (mts) of chicken meat from Brazil, which was a 20.8% year-over-year increase despite the restrictions. Brazil is one of the world’s largest poultry exporters. The outbreak in Brazil was the country’s first encounter with bird flu, prompting multiple countries to impose import bans as a precautionary measure.
- Several countries have since lifted the import restrictions, although one of the major chicken importers, China, has maintained those trade restrictions. The EU’s approach of gradually lifting restrictions reflects standard EU procedures for restoring trade relationships following animal health incidents.
- Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor and report on food safety developments.
