MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Three Paraguayan abattoirs cleared to export boneless beef to Israel

Better prospects for cattle farming in Paraguay

Three Paraguayan abattoirs have been re-licensed by Israel to export boneless beef, according to the Paraguayan Rural Association, ARP, based on information from the country’s livestock and food sanitary services, Senacsa.

“Shipments will resume immediately once the official notification is sent by the Israeli animal health services”, said ARP president German Ruiz who added “there are very good prospects; we can say it’s practically a fact”.

Israel together with Russia, Chile and Brazil are the main markets for Paraguayan beef that has been banned from overseas following outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in two north counties of the country in late 2011 and early 2012.

Israel purchases mainly front quarters to feed the Armed Forces.

Paraguay's meat exports totalled 285 million dollars in the first four months of the year, which “makes it the second best four-months for the industry in recent years, said Ruiz who revealed that the country has shipped meat to 23 countries

Despite the FMD stigma demand has began to pickup after a 29% contraction”, revealed the cattle farmers leader. Paraguay is believed to be selling its beef at prices 20/25% cheaper.

However Ruiz said that recovering the status free of FMD with vaccination is “a challenge for Paraguay and for all farmers” and admitted that after months of frustration the outlook for the industry and the industry, is encouraging.

Mr Ruiz added that Paraguay expects to recover the status of free of FMD with vaccination towards the end of 2012.