The department of agriculture announced that the import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted with effect from 4 July 2025, following engagement with different stakeholders.
The lifting comes as South Africa had temporarily banned poultry from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu.
According to the department, the lifting of the ban follows information received that the outbreak, first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated.
Poultry trade resumes
“The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025.
“On 4 July 2025, the South African veterinary authority held a bilateral technical meeting with the Brazilian veterinary authority. During this meeting, an agreement was reached on the revised veterinary health certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI. Consequently, importers were officially informed, and veterinary import permits (VIPs) were issued from the day of communication,” the department stated.
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Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen said the positive outcome was a direct result of the dedicated efforts of their officials. “With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, the department noted that, as a precautionary measure, products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted from entry. This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.
“The department of agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil,” the department stated.
Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners.
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