October 8, 2007

FMD ruled out in Rio de Janeiro

The possibility of foot and mouth disease in Brazil's southeast state of Rio de Janeiro has been ruled out, according to a statement put out late Friday (October 5) by the state's Secretary of Agriculture.

Preliminary blood testing of a sick bovine on a ranch in Rio de Janeiro indicated the absence of foot and mouth disease-causing virus, according to the secretary's press department.

The animal had sores on its mouth and hoofs and had a fever, prompting testing.

Earlier Friday, the government said results of testing on the animal would be known in 10 days. But officials said later Friday that the first phase of testing showed no signs of virus.

Safety measures and precautions will remain in place until an official statement is issued.

According to Christino Aureo, Rio de Janeiro Secretary of Agriculture, the state has not seen a case of foot and mouth disease in more than 10 years.

Brazil is the world's No. 1 beef exporter and an outbreak of the disease could likely lead to increased beef bans. More than 30 nations have partial bans on Brazilian beef due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak back in October 2005.