March 12, 2007

OIE declares Argentina FMD-free
 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has declared Argentina to be free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) with vaccination, with the exception of a 15 kilometre wide strip at the country's northern border with Bolivia.

In January, there was an FMD outbreak in Bolivia and Argentina suspended all meat imports and increased border checks and security to prevent the disease spreading from its neighbour.

Argentina's last outbreak of FMD was in February 2006 which led to many countries banning Argentine beef exports.