BRASILIA — The Brazilian government stated this week the country was free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after not finding new cases in the last 28 days.

The news comes after an HPAI case was found at a commercial farm in Brazil last month.

After finishing all of its recent health protocols, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) informed the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) about its progress. WOAH will still need to confirm Brazil’s status.

The Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins (ABPA) and other organizations in the country are seeking to establish international trade to export poultry products.

“We are confident that normal shipments will quickly be restored and that we will strengthen our role in promoting global food security,” said Ricardo Santin, president of ABPA.

China previously stopped imports from Brazil for 60 days following the HPAI reports.

Brazil is the largest exporter and second largest producer of chicken in the world.