EU partially lifts foot and mouth restrictions on Argentina
The European Union’s (EU) Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to begin importing deboned and maturated fresh bovine meat from most of Argentina from February 1, 2002. Restrictions had been placed on imports because of foot and mouth disease (FMD), and will remain for the provinces of La Pampa and Santiago del Estero where outbreaks occurred less than 60 days ago.
Imports into the EU of fresh meat from FMD susceptible animals from Argentina were suspended on March 13, 2001 after outbreaks in the country. Argentina then started a vaccination programme of bovine animals against FMD to control the situation. At a meeting on January 11 2002, the veterinary authorities of Argentina gave additional information and guarantees prompting the call by the European Commission to partially lift restrictions.
David Byrne, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, praised the progress made in Argentina to control the disease and said: "We had to act decisively in introducing the ban in March in order to protect the EU from the risk of foot and mouth disease. However, it is now appropriate to recognise the progress that has been made and to review this decision. I encourage Argentina to continue its disease eradication efforts and the Commission will remain in close contact with their counterparts in Argentina to monitor developments".
