MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil confirms another outbreak of FAM

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry confirmed this week another outbreak of foot and mouth disease, two months alter an initial outbreak led several countries to ban Brazilian beef and pork imports.

The latest outbreak was reported in the state of Parana, 450 kilometres west of Sao Paulo, admitted Agnes Melo, spokesperson for the Agriculture ministry.

The origin of the FAM cases reported is believed to be linked to the October 10 Matto Grosso do Sul reported outbreak and possible cattle purchases before that date.

Brazilian officials admitted the existence of 28 outbreaks during the last two months in the state of Matto Grosso do Sul, which has a common border with Paraguay.

The Sao Sebastiao de Amoreira farm with 2.212 head of cattle has been in quarantine since last October when sanitary authorities began blood testing in the area, said the Agriculture Ministry spokesperson.

"All the cattle in the farm will be sacrificed to prevent any possible contagion".

However sanitary authorities admitted that another ten faros and cities from northern Parana which puchased cattle from Matto Grosso do Sul are also under quarantine until the final results of the testing are double checked.

When the Matto Grosso do Sul outbreak over 50 countries banned Brazilian imports which has recently become the world's leading exporter.

Brazilian trade authorities had forecasted beef exports of 3 billion US dollars in 2005, but the figure is now down to 2,8 billion.