Brazil admits it 'softened' anti-FMD measures
Since October 10, 21 outbreaks have been confirmed in Matto Grosso do Sul state, which has 25 million cattle.
Mr Rodrigues had frequently complained about Ministry of Finance delays in funding measures against the disease. Last week he also said delays in official tests of a suspected outbreak in the neighbouring state of Parana were bad for Brazil. "We are working to have the tests performed and obtain conclusive results as quickly as possible", he said. Parana has nine suspected outbreaks. Reports of outbreaks in three other states cannot be confirmed.
Export bans in about 50 countries have reduced Brazil's cattle sales by $68m in October, and a predicted $100m in November, said Antonio Camardelli, executive director of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters.
The president of the National Beef Cattle Council, Sebastião Guedes, said annual exports of up to $800 million may be lost, and Brazil's entry into high-price markets such as Japan, the US and Southeast Asia delayed. He called for Paraguay and Bolivia, neighbouring countries with foot and mouth problems, to participate in eradicating it, and for Ecuador and Venezuela to combat the disease also.
Government sources still hope Brazilian beef exports can resume before the end of the year, which would bring relief for the industry's workforce of approximately 1m.
* Meanwhile, Lebanon continues to take Brazil's live cattle of which 13,000 sailed on November 2. Danish Crown, a well-known brand owned by Danish farmers, has begun importing Brazilian beef to repackage and sell in Europe.
