Short-term havoc could result from new BSE cases in Brazil
Brazil’s agriculture ministry (Mapa) has confirmed two cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Two animals tested positive for the disease at the start of September, one at an abattoir in Mato Grosso, the other at a facility in Minas Gerais.
Mapa said that these were the fourth and fifth cases of atypical BSE that the authorities in Brazil have recorded in 23 years of monitoring for the disease, adding that there has never been a case of “classic” BSE anywhere in the country.
In keeping with protocol, though, it informed the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the two positives on September 3. And in keeping with an agreement between Brazil and China, it immediately suspended exports of beef to China.
This interruption of shipments of Brazilian beef to China will remain in place until Chinese officials have reviewed reports on the two cases. Meat export promotions agency Abiec has said that China is now the biggest market for Brazilian beef exports. Total shipments from Brazil in July were of more than 90,000 tonnes. Around 60% of the total went to China.
Reacting to the news, former president of the International Council of Hide, Skins and Leather Trade Associations (ICHSLTA), Nick Winters, said the suspension of Brazilian beef exports to China would create “short-term havoc” in the international market for beef and associated by-products, even if only temporarily.
Image: Abiec.
