February 20, 2006

Irish farmers request EU total ban on South American beef

Irish beef producers have asked the EU Commission on Feb 9 to impose a total ban on all South American beef imports into the EU.

Irish Farmers' Association National Livestock Committee Chairman John Bryan made the request after recent reports of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Argentina surfaced.

Bryan said there is no proper tagging, traceability and movement control system and the only real protection for Europe is a total ban on all South American beef imports.

He added that the latest outbreak in Argentina shows that border controls in South American are inadequate and traceability of cattle is lacking.

First reported in Feb 5, the FMD outbreak was discovered on a 6,000 hectare farm in the province of Corrientes. 70 cattle were reportedly infected. In reaction, Argentina has banned exports from eight departments in the province.

Bryan said it is important that the EU take urgent action to prevent the spread of FMD and protect the EU livestock sector.