BRASILIA  — Japan temporarily stopped poultry imports from Brazil’s state of Santa Catarina after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was found in a backyard flock, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins (ABPA).

The trade association noted that monthly shipment of chicken from Santa Catarina plants to Japan represents less than 3% of the total exported by Brazil. 

ABPA said it continues to support the work by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock along with the Secretariat of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of Santa Catarina who are monitoring the HPAI case.

Last month, Japan also suspended imports from the state of Espirito Santo after an HPAI case was identified.

Recommendation by the World Organization for Animal Health keeps Brazil's status of HPAI free since there has not been a case reported in industrial production, according to ABPA.