Asian poultry import markets have so far shown limited disruption after Brazil confirmed a Newcastle disease outbreak at a commercial turkey farm in the southern state of Santa Catarina. Brazilian authorities reported the case on Oct. 18 at a farm in Nova Itaberaba, an area within one of the country’s major poultry-producing regions. While the development raised concerns about possible trade restrictions, responses across key Asian markets have been mixed. Japan and Singapore have not announced broad new import suspensions linked to the latest case, and South Korean market expectations remain largely stable. China, however, has moved to restrict shipments from selected Brazilian facilities.
Brazil Confirms Outbreak in Santa Catarina
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock confirmed Newcastle disease at a commercial turkey operation in Nova Itaberaba. Santa Catarina is an important poultry hub, making the location of the outbreak closely watched by importers and regulators.
Newcastle disease can affect domestic and wild birds and often triggers sanitary reviews by trading partners, particularly when detected in commercial flocks.
Japan, Singapore and South Korea Hold Steady
As of Oct. 20, Japan’s agriculture ministry had not issued a new ban on chicken imports from Santa Catarina related to the outbreak.
Singapore’s food regulator is also continuing trade with the Brazilian state. Officials indicated that import controls are assessed according to risk, with stronger restrictions typically applied to higher-risk animal health events such as highly pathogenic avian influenza.
In South Korea, market participants do not expect the case to meaningfully affect Brazilian chicken imports. Local rules for Brazilian poultry are understood to place less weight on Newcastle disease than on some other animal health threats.
China Takes Targeted Action
China has taken the clearest restrictive step so far. Its customs authority suspended imports from 14 Brazilian plants in Santa Catarina as of Oct. 20.
The move contrasts with the broader restraint seen elsewhere in Asia, suggesting that regional responses may remain uneven depending on national sanitary protocols.
Echoes of 2024 Trade Disruptions
Brazil faced wider poultry export interruptions in July 2024 after a Newcastle disease case was found in Rio Grande do Sul. At that time, shipments to more than 40 markets, including Japan, were temporarily stopped while containment measures were strengthened.
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