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Brazil reports first ever cases of avian flu
The H5N1 subtype of the influenza virus was found in two marine birds on the southeastern coast of Brazil.
The cases were found in two wild marine birds.

Brazil’s first ever cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed by Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry on 15 May. The H5N1 subtype of the influenza virus was found in two marine birds on the coast of Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo.

The government confirmed that epidemiological surveillance services will be increased in the nearby area, to detect any further cases of avian flu in wild and commercial animals.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) does not recommend a ban on imports of Brazilian poultry products because the cases were found in wild animals.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken, trading with countries such as China, Japan, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Its chicken exports rose by 27 per cent in 2022 while other countries experienced outbreaks of avian flu.

Miguel Gularte, CEO of a large chicken exporting company in Brazil told a press conference that he was not surprised by the case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, adding the company was prepared for any scenario. He noted the company relies on Brazil’s "robust" animal health services to prevent and contain any potential threats to industrial poultry farms.

Brazil’s neighbouring country Argentina, recorded its first case of avian flu in its poultry industry in late February. It suspended exports until late March, when the area was confirmed as being free of avian flu. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.