May 25, 2007

OIE declares improved FMD status in Argentina and Brazil

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has declared a foot-and-mouth-disease free without vaccination area in Argentina, above the 42 south parallel - the previous northern limit for the FMD free zone. The new zone comprises the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro, both bordered on the north by the Negro river.

The rest of the country (north of the Negro river) is currently recognized as an FMD free with vaccination zone, except for a 15-kilometre wide buffer zone bordering Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay subject to high surveillance.

In Brazil, the state of Santa Catarina was recognized as an FMD free without vaccination zone, in addition to the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Acre and south centre of Para, which are recognized as FMD with vaccination.

The decisions have strengthened Argentina's and Brazil's effort to access the North American market for its non-processed beef. However, the US and Canada are still not expected to grant import access to Argentina before 2008 and Brazil's bid seems likely to take much longer.