Brazil admits it 'softened' anti-FMD measures

BRAZIL'S Agriculture Minister, Rodrigo Rodrigues has publicly admitted that he expected a resurgence of foot and mouth in the country, because measures to combat the disease had "softened."

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.