{O/C} In Brazil, 2 "atypical" mad cow disease cases in two separate domestic meat plants have prompted the world's largest beef exporter to suspend beef exports to China.
{RVO}
The "atypical" mad cow disease develops spontaneously and is in no way related to eating contaminated foods. As such, Brazil has never recorded a case of "classic" mad cow disease.
The suspension, which is part of an animal health pact agreed between China and Brazil and is designed to allow for time to take stock of the problem, takes effect immediately.
China has a say in when the importation can resume.
China and Hong Kong are considered one of Brazil's top beef consumers. And needless to say, the suspension is a major blow for Brazilian farmers.
The two bovines were confirmed to be infected with mad cow disease after samples were sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health laboratory in Alberta, Canada.
Comments