In a swift move to protect the country’s poultry industry, Zimbabwe has suspended imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil following reports of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development announced the immediate ban, citing the need to prevent the virus from entering the country.

 

Authorities have emphasized the importance of strict compliance with control measures to safeguard Zimbabwe’s poultry industry and economy. The Animal Health Act (Chapter 19:01) has been invoked to suspend all import permits for poultry and poultry products from Brazil, with unused permits immediately revoked.

 

The Zimbabwe Poultry Association (ZPA) has welcomed the decision, highlighting the risks posed by HPAI. Although Zimbabwe does not import poultry meat or eggs from Brazil, the country sources mechanical deboned meat (MDM) for sausage production through South Africa and Namibia.

 

The Livestock and Meat Advisory Council has noted that Zimbabwe’s response aligns with global best practices recommended by the World Animal Health Organisation. Countries experiencing HPAI outbreaks are typically subjected to temporary import bans to prevent the virus’s spread and protect local economies.

 

The government remains vigilant in monitoring the situation to ensure the country’s poultry industry remains protected from potential threats. Authorities have urged poultry producers and stakeholders to fully cooperate with the imposed restrictions, underscoring the devastating effects HPAI can have on trade, public health, and Zimbabwe’s poultry sector.

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