Argentina closer to FMD-free status 21 Nov 2006

On December 6th, a mission from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) will visit Argentina to inspect progress made against FMD since an outbreak in the northern province of Corrientes in February.

"We expect that Argentina will be certified as FMD-free with vaccination after that mission," said Jorge Dillon, director of Animal Health for Argentina's national animal and food inspection agency, SENASA.

An FMD-free status would also improve the country's ability of exporting pork

Import blocks

This year's outbreak led many countries to block Argentine beef imports, although Singapore, Chile, Uruguay and Angola have recently lifted the import bans.

In 2003, Argentina joined forces with neighbouring countries to set up a commission to coordinate efforts to combat animal health problems in South America.

Related websites:

• OIE
• SENASA

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