April 26, 2006

Venezuela hits out at Colombian meat import ban

Colombia's ban on meat imports from Venezuela over fears of foot-and-mouth disease was "untimely", Agriculture Minister Elias Jaua said on Monday (Apr 24).

Colombia imposed the ban on its second-largest trading partner last week after the disease was found in cattle on the Venezuelan side of the border between the two nations in February.

Agricultureal minister Jaua described it as "only a small outbreak" of foot-and-mouth disease among 159 cows, and said it was put under control by Mar 17.

Venezuela has already dispatched a team to ask Columbia to reconsider its decision, Jaua said.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep and pigs. It causes sores, blisters and fever, and can be deadly for livestock.

Colombia also banned meat products from Ecuador last week after the disease was found there.