South Africa Partially Lifts Poultry Import Ban from Brazil Amid Avian Flu Concerns

Pretoria, 18 June 2025 — The South African Department of Agriculture has officially announced the partial lifting of its suspension on poultry and poultry product imports from Brazil, following recent assurances regarding the containment of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the country.

In a formal letter addressed to Mr. Luis Renato de Alcantara Rua, Secretary of International Relations at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, the South African government acknowledged the report submitted by Brazilian authorities on 11 June 2025 detailing their response and management of the outbreak.

After a thorough review of the information provided, South Africa has confirmed that, effective 19 June 2025, imports of poultry and poultry products will be permitted from all Brazilian states — with the exception of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, which remains under restriction due to ongoing health concerns.

The announcement comes as a significant relief to poultry traders and importers who rely on Brazilian poultry, one of the largest exporters globally. However, authorities have emphasized that vigilance remains critical to safeguard South African poultry health standards.

The directive was signed by the Acting Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and shared with key stakeholders, including the South African and Brazilian embassies and the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr. Michael Masiapato.

This move signals cautious optimism in the international poultry trade and underscores South Africa’s commitment to balancing food safety with trade continuity.