Argentina detects bird flu outbreak, suspends exports

Argentina’s animal health authorities have detected an outbreak of bird flu at a facility in Buenos Aires Province, leading to the temporary suspension of sector exports from Tuesday onwards.

The SENASA National Agricultural and Food Health Service reported the measure publicly after confirming a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in poultry in the town of Ranchos, some 120 kilometres south-west of the capital, on Monday.

The discovery triggered a contingency plan including isolation, disinfection and the culling of the affected birds. The number of animals involved was not disclosed.

Argentina’s government notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of the development and temporarily halted exports of all poultry products to countries with which the nation holds disease-free status agreements.

However, production destined for the domestic market will continue as normal, as avian influenza is not transmitted through the consumption of poultry meat or eggs, SENASA clarified.

The previous outbreak occurred in August at another commercial establishment in Buenos Aires Province, prompting a suspension of exports that was lifted in October.

Argentina recorded an eight percent year-on-year increase in poultry meat exports in the most recent period measured (January-August 2025), reaching a volume of 112,000 tonnes and generating US$155 million in revenue, according to official data.

The sector’s main export destinations are China, South Africa, Chile and Hong Kong.

– TIMES/AFP