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Newcastle Disease Detected at Brazil’s MBRF Turkey Supplier Raises Export Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Outbreak at a Key Export Supplier
On October 19, Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry confirmed a case of Newcastle disease at a commercial turkey farm in Nova Itaberaba, Santa Catarina. The farm, which housed about 6,000 turkeys that were not slated for meat production, supplies a single client—MBRF Global Foods SA—and feeds the company’s Chapecó plant that produces poultry for export markets. Authorities ordered the facility’s closure and suspended any movement of birds from the site.
Containment Actions and Health Authority Statements
Health inspectors plan to monitor roughly 133 properties across Nova Itaberaba and three neighboring towns as part of the containment effort. The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), together with regional groups ACAV and Sindicarne, emphasized that there is no risk to consumers and highlighted Brazil’s established animal-health surveillance and response protocols.
Potential Trade Implications
Newcastle disease is highly contagious and has previously prompted importing countries to restrict Brazilian poultry. In 2024, outbreaks led to halted shipments to China and the European Union. ABPA noted that Brazil’s trade protocol with China triggers an “auto-embargo” pending Chinese authorities’ assessment of the outbreak’s scope. Santa Catarina accounts for roughly 23 % of Brazil’s poultry exports in 2026 through September, while analysts at Citi estimate the state contributes about 15 % of national production. Consequently, any buyer-level restrictions could affect a sizable share of Brazil’s export volume, potentially prompting meat-packing firms to reroute shipments to alternative markets.
Market Reaction
The news coincided with declines in major poultry-related stocks. JBS N.V. fell about 1 % in New York trading, and MBRF’s shares dropped 4.1 % on the São Paulo exchange. Analysts linked the moves to uncertainty over possible export limitations and the timing of Brazil’s efforts to resume shipments to the European Union after recent regulatory adjustments on livestock drug use. The Agriculture Ministry pledged to maintain dialogue with international health authorities as the situation develops.