By Jeffrey T. Lewis


SÃO PAULO--BRF shares fell 6.7% after Brazil authorities confirmed eight cases of avian flu in wild birds in the South American country.

BRF's shares were recently trading at 7.23 reais, the equivalent of $1.46. Shares of other Brazilian animal protein producers also declined, with JBS shares down 4.1% at BRL16.29, shares of Marfrig down 3.2% at BRL6.38, and shares of Minerva down 3.5% at BRL9.80.

The agriculture ministry said Tuesday that it has declared an animal health emergency for the next 180 days. Brazil is the world's biggest chicken exporter.

There have been no reports of cases of the ailment in commercial bird production, according to the government. The health emergency declaration means the government will provide resources to prevent the spread of the disease to Brazil's commercial flock, the government added.


Write to Jeffrey T. Lewis at jeffrey.lewis@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-24-23 1048ET