Brazil defends animal health policies

MORE than half of Brazil’s beef exports to the EU have been brought to a halt for at least 60 days due to four foot-and-mouth cases in Mato Grosso do Sul, the country’s second biggest beef producing state.

And recriminations within the country over the huge beef trade setback have pointed to carelessness in disease prevention.

Brazil’s President Lula, on a European trip, denied his government had skimped on funds for farmers to vaccinate cattle, and said farmers were also to blame.