Chile confirms new bird flu cases, regional concerns arise

Chile confirmed 20 cases of bird flu in commercial and non-commercial birds, according to official data released April 7 by the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). Of the total, 19 cases are in addition to one recorded in March at a commercial poultry farm, an episode that led to the suspension of Chilean chicken meat exports.

The gradual increase in cases has renewed health concerns across Latin America and kept market participants on alert for possible impacts on regional trade, especially in Brazil.

Chile is the third Latin American country to confirm bird flu in commercial poultry this year, after Uruguay and Argentina.

Although Brazilian exporters have not yet seen any change in chicken meat export prices to Chile, the increase in cases is cause for concern, market sources said

Disease continues to spread

SAG confirmed the first outbreak of bird flu at a commercial farm in the Talagante municipality in the Santiago metropolitan area. The detection of the virus led to an immediate suspension of poultry meat exports, in line with international biosecurity rules.

Among the 19 additional cases, two were detected in commercial poultry in Talagante and Maule; three in wild birds; and 15 in non-commercial birds. In total, about 700,000 birds have been affected and need to be harvested to prevent further contamination, said SAG.

Impact on Exports

In 2025, according to data from Chile's National Customs Service, Chile exported 150,461 mt of poultry meat. The main buyers were the US, Mexico, China, and Canada. The US accounted for more than 43% of these exports, and Mexico 17%. Most exports to the US and Mexico were boneless, skinless chicken breast. Exports to China were mainly chicken feet and wings.

According to SAG, the Chilean government has begun talks with key importing countries to restore trade as soon as bird flu cases in commercial poultry are eradicated.

For the domestic market, the agency said supplies of poultry meat and eggs are secure and reaffirmed that their consumption poses no risk to public health.

According to a Brazilian exporter, the ban on Chilean exports has not yet affected Brazilian shipments to the country.

"I don't believe there will be significant impacts on Brazilian exports to Chile," an exporter said.

Bird flu spread raises concern in Brazil

Brazil extended its nationwide animal health emergency for another 180 days due to the risk of new bird flu outbreaks, its Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply said March 26.

The extension is a preventive step to allow quick containment and eradication if new outbreaks occur.

Brazilian market participants remain cautious about the spread of bird flu in Latin America, viewing it as a potential risk to Brazilian exports if the virus returns to poultry farms in the country.

"The bird flu case in Brazil occurred in May last year," another exporter said. "We need to stay alert."