Brazil has been officially recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), according to Reuters.
The status will be formally announced on June 6 during a ceremony with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran. Reuters reported that Brazil exported nearly $13 billion in beef last year.
The Brazilian beef lobby, Abiec, called the achievement a strategic asset but noted it comes with new responsibilities to maintain herd health.
The Philippines and Indonesia have shown interest in importing Brazilian beef products, according to Reuters.
