October 25, 2005

 

Argentina bans beef from four more Brazilian states
 

 

Argentina has banned beef imports from four more Brazilian states on concerns that recent outbreaks of FMD in that country could cause problems in Argentina, the animal and plant inspection agency, Senasa, said Monday.

 

On Oct. 12, Argentina suspended beef imports from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul after Brazil's Agriculture Ministry confirmed the discovery of the disease on farm in a southern part of the state. However, a recent FMD discovery in the state of Parana brings the highly contagious disease closer to the Argentine border.

 

"Because of new outbreaks in the Brazilian state of Parana, which borders Misiones, Senasa today ordered the end of imports from that state, Sao Paolo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul," Senasa said in a statement.

 

Senasa said it has received additional funding from the Economy Ministry allowing it to increase the number of agents available to guard the border.

 

Senasa also said it would intensify its vaccination campaign in northern provinces and place more federal agents in the provinces of Corrientes and Misiones to help disinfect vehicles crossing into Argentina from Brazil.

 

Senasa President Jorge Amaya is eager to guarantee the disease does not cross the border.

 

Argentina had a widespread FMD outbreak in March of 2001, leading almost all the country's importers to ban local beef. This costs Argentina billions of dollars in lost exports.

 

Since then, Amaya has worked hard to eradicate the disease and make sure that Argentina's animals are vaccinated against it. Thanks in large part to Amaya's efforts, Argentina has eradicated the disease and is now exporting fresh beef to 89 markets.

 

In 2004, Argentina was the world's third-ranked beef exporter, behind Brazil and Australia.

 

Argentine officials expect beef exports to surge in the months ahead as importers that formerly relied on Brazil for beef turn to Argentina.