South Africa
By Mpho Moloi
South Africa lifts import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil. This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities. “This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.
Timeline of the HPAI Outbreak and Import Ban
The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was first confirmed on 15 May 2025 in breeding chickens at a farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. This marked Brazil’s first HPAI case in commercial poultry that year, prompting swift action from global trading partners. South Africa responded by suspending imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh or frozen poultry meat from Brazil on 22 May 2025, to protect its own animal health status. No new import permits were issued, though consignments packed before 30 April 2025 or heat-processed products were still allowed if the virus risk was mitigated.
The ban lasted about eight weeks, causing significant disruptions in supply chains. On 18 June 2025, Brazil declared itself free of HPAI after completing depopulation, disinfection, and the required 28-day observation period with no new cases. This self-declaration aligned with WOAH standards, paving the way for trade resumption.
Initially, South Africa partially lifted the ban on 19 June 2025, allowing imports from all Brazilian states except Rio Grande do Sul, the affected area. This move prevented a full-scale crisis but highlighted ongoing technical disagreements over veterinary health certificates. Full resumption came after a bilateral technical meeting, leading to an agreement on a “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”. The complete lift was effective from 4 July 2025, as confirmed in a directive from the Directorate of Animal Health.
Reasons for the Ban and Lifting Measures
The suspension aimed to safeguard South Africa’s poultry industry and public health from HPAI, a highly contagious virus that spreads through contact, migratory birds, water, droppings, and movement of domestic birds. Brazil, the world’s top poultry exporter with over 5 million tons shipped in 2024, faced restrictions from multiple countries, including the EU, Japan, China, and South Africa. The EU halted all Brazilian poultry imports due to the loss of HPAI-free status, while others imposed partial bans.
Brazil’s containment involved stamping out—killing affected birds, cleaning farms, and monitoring for 28 days. No further outbreaks occurred, leading to the freedom declaration on 18 June 2025. Seventeen countries, including Japan (Brazil’s third-largest buyer), lifted bans shortly after, restoring access and stabilising global supply. South Africa’s decision followed “extensive engagements” and science-based assessments to ensure safety.
As a precaution, products packed between 1 May and 18 June 2025 remain restricted, in line with risk mitigation standards. The department will monitor the situation and review the lift if new outbreaks emerge.
Economic and Food Security Impacts of the Ban
The ban hit South Africa hard, as Brazil supplies about 80% of imported poultry and 95% of mechanically deboned meat (MDM), used in affordable processed foods like polony, viennas, russians, sausages, frozen burgers, and meat pies. MDM shortages threatened to halt production lines by late June, risking job losses and depriving vulnerable families of over 400 million low-cost meals monthly. Prices soared by over 140%, with MDM costs rising sharply due to limited alternatives from countries like Thailand.
Poultry is South Africa’s most consumed protein, vital for food security, especially in school feeding schemes and low-income households. The disruption worsened existing challenges from South Africa’s own HPAI outbreaks in recent years, which drove up chicken and egg prices. Local producers could not fill the gap in MDM or offal (feet, gizzards, skins), leading to higher costs and potential malnutrition risks.
Even with the lift, recovery will take months. Supply chains need time to stabilise, with shortages and elevated prices likely until November 2025. Brazilian exporters may keep prices high to recover losses, affecting consumers. Industry groups like the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) and South African Meat Processors Association (SAMPA) welcomed the resolution but called for better contingency plans, including regionalisation protocols to limit bans to affected areas.
Minister Steenhuisen’s Response and Future Outlook
“The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. He praised the urgency shown by his team, including Deputy Director-General Dipepeneneng Serage, in averting a humanitarian crisis. Steenhuisen emphasised science-based decisions and transparent communication with trading partners.
To prevent future disruptions, the department is rolling out new biosecurity measures, including disease control regulations, prosecutions for non-compliance, and a national vaccination programme for poultry. This is a first for South Africa, drawing from successful strategies in France and elsewhere. High-risk areas will be prioritised to protect the sector and keep prices affordable.
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