January 18, 2007

Africa reopens export markets to South America

African markets are gradually reopening to meat from South America ending embargoes over foot and mouth disease.

The latest in the list includes Algeria which has decided to resume beef and sheep trade with Argentina.

Argentina closed its border in March last year because of concerns over foot and mouth disease.

Algeria has said that the safety certificates that were in place at the time of the embargo would be reinstituted.

The reopening of the market follows measures taken by Argentina to eradicate FMD in the infected areas in San Luis in Palmar.

Meanwhile, Angola has lifted its ban on exports of beef and pork from Brazil, imposed since Oct 2005 over FMD fears in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.