Bans on Brazilian beef likely to be retained
More than 55 countries restricted meat imports from regions of Brazil after the disease was reported there last October.
These curbs were being eased when a further outbreak was confirmed last week. Temporary bans on meat imports from regions with the disease are now likely to be retained, with market gaps filled by products from other countries. Brazil Meat Exporters Association director Antonio Camardelli said the new outbreak should not trigger more curbs on its beef shipments: "This case is in a previously infected area and measures have been taken in accordance with the law."
He said he still expected beef exports to rise this year by 10%-15%, in value and volume. Brazil is the world's top beef exporter, shipping 2.3 million tonnes worth $3.1bn (€2.5bn) last year.
However, last week's outbreak has led to renewed claims that the country's disease controls are inadequate. IFA president Padraig Walshe said the only acceptable protection for the EU is a total ban on meat imports from Brazil.
"In the absence of a proper traceability and movement control system in Brazil, the EU is being exposed to unnecessary and unacceptable risks from ongoing imports of Brazilian beef," he said.
