Brazil poultry exports rise as researchers test new HPAI defense

Brazilian chicken meat exports rose 24.8% in August, reaching 492,634 tons and generating nearly $1 billion in revenue. According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), this growth follows a recovery in shipments to major markets like China and the European Union, which had previously faced disruptions due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2025.

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by HPAI, researchers at Texas A&M University are launching a study to test far-UVC light as a potential defense mechanism. The third phase of this multiyear study aims to determine if far-UVC light can reduce airborne pathogen loads in commercial poultry houses without harming birds or humans. Unlike conventional UV light, far-UVC is capable of inactivating viruses and bacteria without penetrating deeply enough to damage skin or eyes.