Argentina suspends poultry exports after bird flu outbreak confirmed

Argentina’s poultry exports were suspended following the confirmation, on Tuesday (Aug. 19), of an avian flu case on a commercial farm. The disease was detected at a laying hen facility in the city of Los Toldos, Buenos Aires province, according to the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa).

Argentina reported the case to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and temporarily suspended all poultry exports to countries with which it maintains sanitary agreements. However, the country may continue trading with markets that recognize zoning strategies and disease-free areas.

The announcement of the outbreak has already impacted international markets. According to Reuters, China suspended imports of poultry products from Argentina as of August 20, just five months after lifting a two-year ban on imports from the country. In the first half of 2025, Argentina’s poultry sector exported 12.4 million tonnes, generating revenue of US$14.6 million, according to data from the Agricultural Foundation for the Development of Argentina (FADA).

To contain the virus and prevent its spread, a 3-kilometer sanitary control zone was established around the outbreak site, where containment measures, biosafety protocols, and movement restrictions were enforced. In an additional 7-kilometer radius, monitoring, control, and epidemiological tracing are being carried out.

Senasa carried out the sanitary culling and disposal of the farm’s birds and is disinfecting the facility. According to the agency, the region where the outbreak occurred does not have significant poultry production.

If no other outbreaks occur on commercial farms within 28 days of the disinfection, Argentina will be able to declare itself free of the disease to WOAH and reestablish its sanitary status, allowing poultry exports to resume.

Source: Globo Rural

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