Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera-Specialist Writer- Agribusiness
ZIMBABWE has suspended imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil following reports of an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the south American country.
In a notice to the public and stakeholders’ reference 2/2025, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said the ban was with immediate effect.
This follows the recent announcement by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of an outbreak of HPAI in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on May 15, this year.
HPAI is a viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds with a zoonotic potential, that can be easily transmitted from one region to another through movement of infected poultry and their products.
“To that effect, maximum cooperation from all stakeholders to minimise the risk of entry of HPAI into Zimbabwe is being requested.
“It is important that everyone respects all imposed control measures to collectively protect our country,” read the notice.
The damages caused by HPAI outbreaks have a severe negative impact on human health, trade and economy of the country, as well as individual poultry farmers.
“In view of the foregoing and in terms of the Animal Health Act (Chapter 19:01), issuance of permits to import poultry and their products from Brazil has been suspended. Furthermore, all unused permits have been cancelled forthwith,” said the Ministry.
The department of Veterinary Services continue to monitor the HPAI situation in Brazil with a view to review the suspension order in due course.
The Zimbabwe Poultry Association (ZPA), chairman Mr Solomon Zawe said they welcome the ban as HPAI was a very dangerous disease that can kill the industry.
“We import about 8 000 tonnes of mechanical deboned meat (MDM), the waste used for sausage making through South Africa (SA) and Namibia. As a poultry industry we don’t import any meat or eggs from Brazil as we are self-sufficient,” he clarified.
Livestock and Meat Advisory Council executive administrator, Dr Reneth Mano concurred, saying the move conformed with global best practices recommended by the World Animal Health Organisation, that all countries impose temporary ban on imports of all poultry products from any country experiencing an outbreak of HPAI.
