Santa Catarina has completed the depopulation, cleaning and disinfection of three commercial turkey farms where Newcastle disease was detected. The farms are in Nova Itaberaba, Coronel Freitas and Nova Erechim, in the west of the state, within a zoosanitary emergency area that also included Águas Frias.
The sites are now in a sanitary downtime period, meaning they remain without birds while awaiting a new flock. The measure is intended to ensure the virus is no longer circulating on the properties. The work was coordinated by the state’s Integrated Agricultural Development Company (Cidasc), which also oversaw inspections and laboratory testing at more than 200 properties in the area.
Santa Catarina and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock are waiting for laboratory analyses, expected to be completed this week. The results will inform statistical studies and strategies for restoring international trade in Brazilian poultry after three cases led to export restrictions from October 18.
So far, 91 laboratory analyses have been carried out, while two samples are still awaiting genetic sequencing. Four checkpoints remain active to inspect and disinfect vehicles, with around 68 people involved in the response, according to Cidasc.
The disease prompted some countries to restrict imports of Brazilian poultry. Mexico and Uruguay suspended imports from Brazil entirely, while China and Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions limited to products from Santa Catarina or the outbreak area. Mexico has since become the first country to announce that it is resuming imports of Brazilian poultry products.
Newcastle disease is a viral illness that affects domestic and wild birds and can be fatal to them. In people, it may cause temporary conjunctivitis. Transmission occurs through contact, not through consumption, according to the report. Authorities said no sick birds had been found since the first outbreak was detected; only the virus’s circulation was confirmed.
Cidasc’s response also includes public health education, which reached thousands of students and dozens of agricultural businesses in the previous week and is set to continue in the coming weeks.
Sources: G1.