Brazil detects Newcastle disease at turkey farm

Brazil detected a case of Newcastle disease at a turkey farm in Santa Catarina on October 19, 2026, triggering sanitary measures expected to affect 133 local farms. As the world's largest chicken exporter, Brazil faces potential trade disruptions, particularly with China under a bilateral protocol that initiates an auto-embargo during outbreaks. Santa Catarina accounts for 15% of Brazilian poultry production, elevating export concerns.

Santa Catarina outbreak and local impact

• ▪Brazilian officials implemented sanitary control measures following the October 19, 2026 Newcastle disease case that are expected to affect 133 regional farms
• ▪Citi analysts reported that the state of Santa Catarina accounts for approximately 15 percent of total Brazilian poultry production
• ▪Brazilian Agriculture Minister Andre de Paula confirmed on October 19, 2026, that Brazil detected a Newcastle disease case at a turkey farm located in the southern state of Santa Catarina

Government response on trade impact

• ▪Brazil's Acting Secretary for Agricultural Trade Rafael Requiao stated on October 19, 2026, that it was too early to confirm potential poultry import suspensions
• ▪Brazilian officials committed to sharing all sanitary information regarding the October 19, 2026 Newcastle disease outbreak with the nation's key international trading partners

China trade protocol and past restrictions

• ▪China halted poultry imports from Rio Grande do Sul following a 2024 Newcastle disease detection before lifting the restriction earlier in 2026
• ▪Meat industry group ABPA stated that the Brazil-China trade protocol triggers an auto-embargo on poultry shipments following a Newcastle disease outbreak before Chinese authorities decide whether restrictions apply to an entire state or limited farm area

Risks to global poultry trade

• ▪The detection of Newcastle disease in October 2026 raises risks of poultry shipment disruptions during a crucial period for Brazil's meatpacking industry
• ▪Brazil is the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, making local poultry disease detections a key risk factor for global meat trade