Mexico Suspends Poultry Imports From Brazil Over H5N1 Concerns

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) suspended poultry product imports from Brazil due to the presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Brazilian authorities said they are investigating and taking measures to prevent the spread of the pathogen. 

The decision, implemented through the National Service for Agro-alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), follows confirmation of the H5N1 virus in Brazilian territory. According to SADER, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) informed SENASICA on May 15, 2025, about the H5N1 virus detection.

In response, Mexico has enacted a temporary import suspension to safeguard national poultry production from potential zoonotic risks. SADER stated that the measure will remain in place until Brazilian authorities provide detailed zoosanitary information regarding their management and control of the outbreak.

The suspension applies to products, such as poultry meat, fertile eggs, Specific Pathogen-Free (SPF) eggs, chicks up to three days old, and poultry offal for human consumption. Additionally, poultry-derived raw materials for pet food production are prohibited. The import ban also extends to songbirds, ornamental birds, and birds of prey from Brazil.

MAPA noted that Brazilian authorities are actively conducting extensive property inspections within a 10km radius of the emergency zone. Inspections in the 3km perifocal area were nearly complete by May 18, 2025, with work continuing in the wider surveillance zone. At the primary affected property, all birds and eggs have been culled, disinfection is underway, and associated eggs have been traced for destruction; three hatcheries are also slated for disinfection. 

Control measures, including the installation of animal transit and disinfection barriers, are being implemented. A suspected case on a subsistence farm within the perifocal zone is under investigation, with preliminary lab results anticipated by the end of May 19, 2025; officials state this poses no impact to international trade or food safety. Separately, an Influenza A investigation in Aguiarnópolis currently suggests a low probability of high pathogenicity, with laboratory analysis ongoing and control measures in place. 

"Investigations into suspected cases are a routine part of agrifood activities. When emergencies are declared, the system naturally becomes more responsive, leading to an initial increase in the tendency of investigations. This underscores the robustness of Brazil's agrifood defense system, which is equipped to address and handle all such investigations with efficiency and transparency,” clarifies MAPA’s press release.