Brazil has identified another outbreak of Newcastle disease in the southern state of Santa Catarina, the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) confirmed.

The latest case was detected at a poultry farm in Coronel Freitas within the restricted area that was put in place following the first outbreak in the region.

The ministry said the latest case was detected during intensified surveillance actions carried out in the area.

The Official Veterinary Service has initiated animal health protocols, including an epidemiological investigation, surveillance, and containment of the disease.

The depopulation of birds on the impacted property is underway, the ministry added.

Brazil

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious and often severe viral disease that affects birds including domestic poultry and other bird species.

The ministry said that due to the proximity between the new establishment and the property where the first outbreak was identified, only a minor adjustment to the restricted area was required.

The ministry said it continues to work with state agricultural agencies to control the occurrence and protect the national poultry industry.

In an event unrelated to the outbreaks in commercial poultry, the Official Veterinary Service also confirmed infection with avian paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) in pigeons located outside the sanitary emergency area.

The ministry said that according to the definitions of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), this detection in pigeons does not constitute an outbreak of Newcastle disease.

Poulty exports

The initial outbreak in the Santa Catarina region was confirmed by Mapa on October 18 at a commercial turkey farm in Nova Itaberaba.

Following this, a "state of zoosanitary emergency" was declared for 60 days in the municipalities of Nova Itaberaba, Águas Frias, Coronel Freitas, and Nova Erechim, to intensify sanitary surveillance and control actions.

The ministry notified the WOAH of the outbreak and also shared the information with trading partners.

Brazil is the world's largest poultry and chicken meat exporter, holding over 37% of the global market share.

Several countries have imposed temporary restrictions on Brazilian exports of poultry products following the confirmation of an outbreak of Newcastle disease.

Mexico and Malaysia both suspended imports from across Brazil last week.

While China, Chile and Saudi Arabia decided to suspend imports from the Santa Catarina region alone.

The ministry said it maintains contact with the health authorities of importing countries, providing technical information on the occurrence and control measures adopted.