1 April 2026: Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Chile
Updated 1 April 2026
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OVS note number: 2026/22
Date: 1 April 2026
Purpose
To inform you that, due to a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Chile, consignments from Talca province of the following commodities are suspended:
- live poultry and ratites (including day old chicks)
- hatching eggs of poultry and ratites
- fresh poultry meat, ratite meat and wild game bird meat
- meat products of poultry, farmed feathered game and wild game birds that have not been subject to treatment ‘D’ or higher (that is, treatments ‘D’, ‘C’ or ‘B’, as defined in Annex 1)
Background
Chile confirmed an initial outbreak of HPAI in Talagante province on 24 March 2026. In line with the regionalisation protocol agreed in 2023, regionalisation at province level was applied (see OVS note 2026/21 for a full list of restrictions implemented).
Chile notified WOAH of a further outbreak of HPAI in Talca province, which was confirmed on 29 March 2026 (WAHIS).
Accordingly, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance amended its country lists on 1 April 2026 to implement equivalent import restrictions from Talca province.
In the event of any further outbreaks of HPAI in Chile, no additional OVS notes will be issued. Official Veterinarians should refer to the approved third country lists when assessing consignments from Chile to determine current import eligibility (see Chile’s listed provinces).
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team
Annex 1
Meat products intended for human consumption – acceptable risk mitigating treatments
See (Annex II, Part 4 of Assimilated Decision 2007/777).
B) Treatment in a hermetically sealed container to an Fo value of 3 or more.
C) A minimum temperature of 80°C which must be reached throughout the meat and/or stomachs, bladders and intestines during the processing of the meat product and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines.
D) A minimum temperature of 70°C which must be reached throughout the meat and/or stomachs, bladders and intestines during the processing of meat products and treated stomachs, bladders and intestines.