Disinfection Completed: Affected Area in Montenegro Enters 28-Day Sanitary Standstill

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) confirms that the official veterinary service has completed the cleaning and disinfection of the farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, where a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a commercial poultry breeding facility. As a result, a 28-day sanitary standstill begins this Thursday (May 22), as established by international animal health protocols. If no new outbreaks are identified during this period, Brazil will be able to self-declare the region free from the disease. 

“This period is essential for us to technically and transparently demonstrate that the virus has been successfully contained. If there are no further detections, Brazil will be able to officially declare the region free from avian influenza. This reinforces the credibility of our sanitary system and is a critical step toward reopening markets and normalizing exports. We are conducting this process with the utmost rigor and in strict accordance with international standards,” stated the Secretary of Agricultural Defense, Carlos Goulart. 

“Thanks to the strength of our sanitary system and the transparency of our response, we are confident in our ability to demonstrate that the outbreak has been contained. This will enable us to negotiate with our trade partners to prevent any unnecessary suspension of exports,” said Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro. 

The sanitization process at the affected farm began on May 16 and was completed on Wednesday, May 21. All high-risk materials were properly handled, removed, and destroyed under the supervision of the official veterinary service, in full compliance with the National Contingency Plan. 

The area is now secured with seven strategic control points, including animal movement restrictions and disinfection stations. One is a full roadblock that completely restricts passage, while the other six serve as containment and disinfection barriers—two located within the 3-kilometer perifocal zone at access points to the farm and four positioned in the wider surveillance zone to sanitize vehicles leaving the area. 

The movement of animals and animal products remains strictly controlled by the official veterinary service through the Animal Transit Guide (GTA) system. 

MAPA also reports that within the 10-kilometer surveillance zone surrounding the affected facility, 540 rural properties have been identified. Among them, in addition to the outbreak site, two are commercial poultry operations. All properties in the area have been fully inspected. 

The response operation involves 25 teams made up of veterinary officers from MAPA and the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation of Rio Grande do Sul (Seapi), with support from the Municipality of Montenegro, the Military Police (Brigada Militar), and the Fire Department.



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