September 14, 2004

Brazil Agriculture Ministry Confirms Amazonas Foot And Mouth Outbreak

Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the municipality of Careiro da Varzea, in the eastern region of Amazonas state located in the Amazon basin.
 
Test conducted at a government laboratory confirmed that four head of cattle located on the property tested positive for the disease.
 
The ministry has tested animals on neighboring farms and is trying to restrict movement of livestock in the region.
 
The region produces beef for local consumption only, and given the isolated location of the municipality, it is unlikely the disease will spread to other regions, the ministry said.
 
Brazil has the world's largest commercial cattle herd. In June, there was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease on a farm in the neighboring state of Para.