Brazil's state of Tocantins has ruled out the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as bird flu, in a local commercial farm citing preliminary test results, according to a statement sent to Reuters on Wednesday.

Brazil recently ruled out three suspected bird flu cases but continues to investigate others, particularly in commercial farms. The nation, a leading chicken exporter, faces trade implications from potential outbreaks,

The Dominican Republic and 20 other countries or economic blocs have suspended imports of chicken meat from all of Brazil following the detection of a highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak at a commercial farm in Montenegro,