Restrictions on Brazilian chicken hit Santa Catarina; Mexico maintains nationwide ban
China and Chile restricted purchases of poultry products from Santa Catarina after an outbreak of Newcastle disease was confirmed. Mexico suspended imports of poultry, meat, and eggs from all of Brazil.
The confirmation of a Newcastle disease outbreak at a commercial turkey farm in Nova Itaberaba, in western Santa Catarina, led trading partners to impose temporary restrictions on Brazilian poultry products.
The outbreak was identified on October 18. The farm, which kept approximately 6,000 turkeys, was placed under quarantine, and the movement of poultry was suspended. Control measures included culling the animals and cleaning and disinfecting the facilities. The federal government also declared a zoosanitary emergency for 60 days in Nova Itaberaba, Nova Erechim, Coronel Freitas, and Águas Frias.
On October 19, Mexico announced the suspension of imports of Brazilian poultry products. The measure covers live poultry, chicken meat, and hatching eggs from across the national territory. In 2025, the country was the seventh-largest destination for Brazilian chicken meat, with 244,400 tonnes, equivalent to 4.73% of Brazil’s total exports.
On Tuesday, October 20, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reported that China, Mexico, and Chile had restricted purchases of chicken meat from Brazil. For China, the largest market for Brazilian product, the limitation was restricted to production from Santa Catarina. Chile also suspended purchases from the state, including meat, eggs, and ornamental birds.
China’s decision followed the sanitary agreement that provides for the initial interruption of Brazilian shipments when Newcastle disease or avian influenza is detected. After this stage, the country’s authorities define the scope of the restriction. Regionalization allows exporters to redirect to China products made in other states.
Between January and September 2026, China imported approximately 420,000 tonnes of Brazilian chicken meat, about 10% of the volume exported by the country during the period. Santa Catarina accounts for more than 20% of Brazil’s exports of the product.
According to the information released, the case in Nova Itaberaba did not produce clinical signs in the animals. Poultry from the affected farm was not intended for consumption, and the Ministry of Agriculture said products subject to official sanitary inspection remain safe for the population.
The ministry said it is maintaining contact with the health authorities of importing countries and sharing technical data on the outbreak and control measures. Resumption of purchases will depend on each market’s assessments.