October 14, 2005

Argentina, Chile also ban Brazilian beef

Joining at least 28 other countries, Argentina and Chile suspended imports of Brazilian beef on Oct 13 after Brazil's report of an FMD outbreak in its cattle, the Brazilian government announced.

Argentina suspended imports of all Brazilian meat, while Chile restricted its ban to meat from the mid-western farming state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where the outbreak was detected.

Russia, Israel and South Africa, along with the EU-25, had earlier suspended Brazilian meat imports.

This week, an outbreak of highly contagious FMD was found near Eldorado, in Mato Grosso do Sul. Tests showed that some 140 animals were infected, leading authorities to slaughter 582 animals.

The disease, which strikes cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, can spread easily through minimal contact with infected animals, farm equipment or meat. The disease can be fatal in animals, but does not harm humans.

Brazil is the world's leading beef exporter by volume, although a number of countries, including the US, South Korea and Japan, do not allow fresh beef shipments from Brazil as FMD has not been totally eradicated there.

Brazil has one of the largest herds in the world with 190 million head of cattle; Mato Grosso do Sul has about 25 million cattle and makes up nearly 50 percent of all Brazil's beef exports.