June 3, 2005

State of Acre in Brazil declared free of foot and mouth

The northern Brazilian state of Acre has been recognized by the World Organization of Animal Health as a zone that is free of foot and mouth disease, and achieved it through vaccination.

This is the 16th unit of the Brazilian federation to obtain that status. From now on, the state of Acre can now sell any kind of beef and live animals on the foreign market. Before recognition, the state could only sell canned, boneless and matured beef outside the country.

Acre has a cattle heard of 1.9 million heads of cattle. Annual slaughter amounts to around 300,000 animals a year, with revenue reaching about US$ 125 million.

Brazil's target is to have the entire country recognized as a foot and mouth free zone through vaccination by the end of 2006.