South Africa will not impose a blanket ban on poultry imports from Brazil despite an outbreak of Newcastle disease in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
The Department of Agriculture says poultry trade with Brazil will continue under strict veterinary certification requirements aimed at protecting animal and public health.
#DoAUpdate | SOUTH AFRICA’S RESPONSE TO NEWCASTLE DISEASE OUTBREAK IN BRAZIL
Brazil notified South Africa on 20 October 2026 of an outbreak of Newcastle disease in the state of Santa Catarina.
Following an assessment of the notification, South Africa will not impose a countrywide restriction on imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil in response to this outbreak.
#GovZAUpdates @GovernmentZA @GCISMedia
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) October 28, 2026
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects wild birds and domestic poultry.
The department’s Chief Director for Animal Production and Health, Dr Botlhe Modisane, says existing import protocols are designed to prevent the disease from entering the country.
“The import protocol of poultry between South Africa and Brazil is such that Brazil is prohibited from exporting chicken or poultry from facilities that are infected with Newcastle disease. They also have to ensure that around a certain radius, over 10 kilometres, there haven’t been any reports of Newcastle disease in those facilities. So the protocol is such that it excludes the possibility of importing Newcastle disease.”
