The Brazilian government is preparing preventive measures against avian flu, a disease that has spread among birds in a dozen Asian countries, and is considered unlikely to reach this South American country. But officials are considering requiring the disinfection of shoes of people coming to Brazil from the affected countries, as well as other products and aircraft. A ban has already been enacted for imports of chicken and byproducts from the Asian nations.

Three research centers have been equipped to identify the H5N1 virus that causes the disease. In suspected cases, the infected person will be placed in isolation, said expert Terezinha de Paiva, in charge of bird flu affairs at the Adolfo Lutz Institute in Sao Paulo.

The concern is related to both health and trade. Brazil exported 1,800 million dollars in chickens in 2003, and is conquering markets that have cut off imports from the affected Asian countries. Brazil would lose that advantage if the disease appears in this country.