Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter, with China as its largest customer. Following a case of mad cow disease, they will temporarily halt beef exports to China. The cattle industry in Australia is closely watching to see if it opens up new trade opportunities.

A Quick Overview

Brazil has temporarily suspended beef exports to China due to a BSE outbreak (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy).

According to a statement issued by Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Favaro, the case revolved around a nine-year-old male animal from a small place in the northern Brazilian state of Pará.

Mr. Favaro stated that the World Organization for Animal Health notified that animal samples were forwarded to the organization’s testing laboratory in Canada, so they could confirm whether the case was unusual.

Atypical BSE is more common in older cattle and is thought less dangerous and more naturally occurring than the classical form of the disease.

End Note

Minister Favaro said, “At each stage of the investigation, all measures are being implemented immediately, and the matter is being handled with complete transparency to ensure Brazilian and global consumers the recognized quality of our meat.”

He added, “The beef exports to China would be temporarily halted from Thursday and discussion with the officials is being deepened to demonstrate all the knowledge and the immediate re-establishment of the Brazilian meat trade.”