SA to keep buying chickens from Brazil despite disease outbreak
South Africa will not impose a blanket ban on poultry imports from Brazil despite an outbreak of Newcastle disease in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
The Department of Agriculture says imports will continue under strict veterinary certification requirements designed to protect the country’s animal and public health.
serious consequences
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry.
Outbreaks can have serious consequences for poultry producers and the wider agricultural industry.
However, South Africa says its existing import protocols with Brazil are designed to prevent infected poultry products from entering the country.
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) October 28, 2026#DoAUpdate | SOUTH AFRICA’S RESPONSE TO NEWCASTLE DISEASE OUTBREAK IN BRAZIL
Brazil notified South Africa on 20 October 2026 of an outbreak of Newcastle disease in the state of Santa Catarina.
Following an assessment of the notification, South Africa will not impose a… pic.twitter.com/TbYneHIK8g
Strict controls on Brazilian poultry imports
The department’s Chief Director for Animal Production and Health, Dr Botlhe Modisane, says Brazil is prohibited from exporting chicken or poultry from facilities affected by Newcastle disease.
He explained that the restrictions also extend to areas surrounding infected facilities.
“The import protocol of poultry between South Africa and Brazil is such that Brazil is prohibited from exporting chicken or poultry from facilities that are infected with Newcastle disease,” Modisane said.
“They also have to ensure that around a certain radius, over 10 kilometres, there haven’t been any reports of Newcastle disease in those facilities.”
According to Modisane, these requirements are intended to exclude the possibility of Newcastle disease being imported into South Africa through poultry trade.
No blanket import ban
The department’s position means poultry imports from Brazil can continue, provided exporters comply with the required veterinary certification and disease-control measures.
Rather than suspending all imports from the country, South Africa is relying on restrictions that prevent poultry from affected facilities and surrounding areas from being exported.
The approach allows trade to continue while maintaining safeguards against the introduction of the disease.
The department has emphasised that the existing protocols are designed to protect South Africa’s poultry industry and animal health.
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