Brazil enters key period to be declared free of avian flu

Brazil entered a decisive 28-day period last Thursday to be declared free of avian influenza, following disinfection efforts at the farm where the first case in the country’s commercial poultry sector was detected two weeks ago.

The cleaning and disinfection of sheds, equipment, and all structures at the Montenegro (RS) farm — including offices, storage areas, locker rooms, and laundry facilities — was completed on Wednesday night, according to a statement from the Rio Grande do Sul state government.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro said last week that if no new cases are found on commercial farms during the 28-day period, Brazil could be considered free of the disease — pending the position of importing countries.