June 2, 2008

Russia lifts ban on beef imports from Brazilian state of Mato Grosso
    

Russia has lifted the ban on beef imports from Mato Grosso, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply on Friday (May 30, 2008).

Russia had banned beef imports from Mato Grosso since February due to cases of bovine papular stomatitis found in the municipality of Cocalinho, 750 km from the capital of Mato Grosso.

The disease can trigger export suspension, according to a bilateral agreement signed by Russia and Brazil 10 years ago. However, the OIE does not regard bovine papular stomatitis as a disease that has to be necessarily announced.

Sadia, a major Brazilian food company, postponed its plans to construct a new slaughterhouse due to the ban.

In 2007, Mato Grosso exported US$627 million worth of beef, up 16.5 percent from 2006.