Rio Grande do Sul Confirms First Avian Influenza Outbreak in Backyard Poultry

The state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in subsistence or backyard poultry in the municipality of Coqueiros do Sul. Laboratory analysis by the Federal Laboratory of Animal Health Defense in Campinas validated the positive result on 17 July.

Authorities said the outbreak does not change the state's or the country's disease‑free status and has no impact on the trade of poultry products. Consumption of meat and eggs remains safe because the virus is not transmitted through food. The official veterinary service will conduct sanitary surveillance on farms and granjas within a 10‑kilometre radius of the site, and will carry out education and bio‑security outreach for local producers. Any suspected cases are to be reported immediately to the agricultural secretariat.