South Africa has introduced targeted restrictions on poultry imports from Brazil’s Santa Catarina state following an outbreak of Newcastle disease, while allowing shipments from unaffected parts of the country to continue under strict veterinary certification requirements.

The Department of Agriculture said Brazil notified South Africa of the outbreak on 20 October 2026. However, the department confirmed that it would not impose a nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry and poultry products.

The restrictions are intended to protect South Africa’s poultry industry while maintaining trade with areas that are not affected by the disease.

For fresh poultry meat, veterinary certification must confirm that the birds originated from premises where no Newcastle disease cases had been recorded during the preceding six months, including within a 10km radius. The abattoir and cutting plant must also be located outside an infected zone.

Hatching eggs and day-old chicks face stricter requirements. Their farms and relevant facilities must have been free from the disease for at least 12 months and must not be situated in an infected area.

The department has requested that Brazilian veterinary authorities ensure all consignments destined for South Africa meet these conditions.

Brazil supplies approximately 70% of South Africa’s poultry imports

Brazil is a major supplier to South Africa’s poultry market, accounting for approximately 70% of the country’s imported poultry products.

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), said South Africa imports approximately 20% of its annual poultry consumption, equivalent to around 350,000 tonnes of various poultry products.

Other suppliers include the United States, the European Union and Argentina.

Sihlobo said the restrictions applied specifically to Santa Catarina rather than the entire Brazilian poultry industry. He added that domestic supply remained healthy and that there was no immediate justification for expecting poultry prices to increase.

Industry experts support targeted veterinary controls

Agricultural experts have welcomed the decision to avoid a blanket import ban, while stressing that strict enforcement of veterinary requirements will be essential.

Dawie Maree, head of FNB Agriculture Marketing and Information, said animal disease outbreaks were a concern for both importing and exporting countries. He noted that Newcastle disease could pose risks to poultry production and that Brazilian authorities would need to certify that exported products originated outside the affected area and its 10km surrounding zone.

Maree warned that a nationwide ban could force South Africa to find alternative suppliers, potentially affecting the availability of certain products, particularly processed poultry meat.

Dr Simphiwe Madikizela, a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership, said Newcastle disease was highly contagious and could cause significant bird mortality, disrupt production and create substantial financial losses for farmers.

He said preventing the disease from entering South Africa and spreading to local poultry farms should remain the priority, while recognising that a blanket ban could disrupt supply chains and increase the cost of alternative imports.

Dr Christiaan Mostert, a senior lecturer in agricultural economics at the University of Pretoria, also supported the department’s targeted approach.

He pointed to the losses caused by avian influenza in 2023 as a reminder of the economic consequences of poultry disease outbreaks. Although Newcastle disease is different, he said the experience reinforced the importance of effective prevention measures.

Mostert stressed that the success of the restrictions would depend on reliable certification and consistent enforcement, with immediate action required if the disease situation changed.

South Africa’s decision seeks to balance animal-health protection with the need to maintain a stable poultry supply. Given Brazil’s significant share of the import market, continued monitoring and strict compliance with veterinary controls will be important for both local producers and consumers.