February 21, 2007

OIE concerned with FMD control in Brazil, Paraguay border

The World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) has expressed concern over the sanitary control levels on the border between Brazilian central-western Mato Grosso do Sul state and Paraguay, Brazilian Animal Health department director, Jamil Gomes de Souza said.

During an OIE inspection of the borderline in November 2006, a number of irregularities were discovered.

This according to Gomes de Souza, has threatened Paraguay's status of foot-and-mouth disease free area.

Meanwhile, he noted it was still impossible to say whether Mato Grosso do Sul state would be able to recuperate its FMD-free status despite the rigorous anti-FMD measures taken there.

The OIE is expected to issue a report on Mato Grosso do Sul's sanitary conditions in May this year.

Gomes de Souza's statement could create tension between the two countries. The two countries entered into a diplomatic conflict in the beginning of Aug 2006, when Mato Grosso do Sul's production secretary Joao Cavallero blamed the state's FMD to Paraguay.

Later, the conflict was resolved with the signing of an agreement on August 21, 2006, where the two nations pledged to jointly fight against FMD in the border areas.

Mato Grosso do Sul and its neighbouring Parana state suffered FMD outbreaks in October 2005, which resulted in worldwide bans on Brazilian beef and pork, originating from the country's main meat producing states. Most of the embargoes were lifted at the end of December 2006.