October 12, 2005

South Africa bans Brazilian beef imports after FMD

South Africa suspended on Oct 11 imports of Brazilian beef following an outbreak of FMD in the central-western state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Mike Modisane, a senior manager at South Africa's agriculture ministry, called this a "prudent" measure and said that it was a matter of "no option".

At least 582 cows were destroyed at a farm in Mato Grosso do Sul after about 140 cows there were diagnosed with FMD. Authorities are now trying to determine the source of the disease.

Brazil has the one of the world's largest herds at 195 million cattle, and is also the world's largest bovine meat exporter in 2004.