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South Africa rejects blanket ban on Brazilian poultry

Published

The department of agriculture said on Wednesday that it will restrict only shipments from premises with Newcastle disease outbreaks. Brazil supplies at least 70% of South Africa's poultry imports, and imports make up about a fifth of annual consumption.

Brazilian authorities notified South Africa of the first outbreak, in Santa Catarina, on 20 October. Brazil reported a third outbreak, at a poultry farm in Nova Erechim, on 27 October.

Veterinary health certificates agreed by the two countries allow trade to continue in fresh poultry meat, hatching eggs and day-old chicks. Trade stays subject to import requirements.

Key facts

Who
Department of Agriculture (South African government department that issued the statement on poultry imports); Brazilian authorities (notified South Africa of the initial outbreak on October 20); Botlhe Modisane (Chief Director for Animal Production and Health, Department of Agriculture)
What
The department of agriculture said on Wednesday that it would not impose a countrywide restriction on poultry and poultry products from Brazil after Newcastle disease outbreaks there. Veterinary health certificates agreed by the two countries allow trade in fresh poultry meat, hatching eggs and day-old chicks to continue, subject to import requirements.
When
28 October 2026
Where
South Africa, Brazil, Santa Catarina
Status
Reported

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