FAM outbreak “totally under control”

The outbreak "is completely under control and is limited to an only farm in the north of the province of Corrientes, following tests that show no viral activity in any other farm of the zone which has been isolated", said Carlos Milisevich from the Animal Quality and Agro-Food National Service, SENASA.

The investigation to determine the origin of the outbreak "is in the last assessment stage" and results will be made public in "the first days of the coming week", added Milisevich.

"There's no indication that the virus has spread to other counties of Corrientes or neighbouring provinces", he added.

Last February 8, Argentina declared a national sanitary emergency and banned all livestock movements in eight counties of the province of Corrientes which borders with Paraguay and Brazil.

However eleven export markets for Argentine beef, including the three most important, Russia, China and Israel banned all imports. The European Union is expected to announce its position in the coming hours.

The EU position is crucial since 28.000 tons of Hilton cuts are involved, the highest priced Argentine beef sales.

Since the outbreak was reported Argentine Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries minister Miguel Campos has been in contact with the country's main clients in an attempt to restrict the ban to beef from the province of Corrientes. Apparently Russia and Israel agreed but not Chile, so far.

Argentine cattle breeders estimate that the FAM outbreak will cost the country 20% of its overseas exports which in 2005 totalled 1.4 billion US dollars.