On January 15, 2025, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) and Singapore formalized a regionalization agreement to ensure the continuity of pork and pork product trade in the event of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Brazil.
This proactive measure allows trade to persist, provided that any ASF occurrence is confined to a specific zone and that control measures align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. The agreement enhances security and predictability for pork commerce between the two nations, benefiting industry stakeholders in both regions.
Marcelo Mota, Director of the Department of Animal Health at Mapa’s Secretariat of Agricultural Defense, emphasized that the protocol reflects Singaporean authorities’ confidence in Brazil’s official veterinary services and the productive sector’s commitment to food security.
Brazil has been free from ASF since 1988 and holds international recognition of this status from the WOAH. Access to Singapore’s market, one of Asia’s most demanding, presents significant opportunities for Brazilian pork exports.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. While it poses no risk to human health, ASF can lead to severe economic losses in the swine industry. Brazil stands as one of the world’s leading pork exporters, and Singapore represents a vital market for its pork products.
This agreement underscores the importance of international collaboration in maintaining trade flows and ensuring food security, even amid potential animal health challenges.
