Paraguay bans imports of Bolivian Beef

Bolivian beef has been banned from entering Paraguay due to a suspected outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease in the Bolivian province of Santa Cruz.

A spokesman for the Paraguayan Agriculture Ministry made the claim in a report published on Cattlenetwork.com.

In the report the director of Paraguay's animal health and control service, Senacsa, said: "The entrance of all animals potentially susceptible to the disease and products which carry a risk is totally prohibited, and disinfection is mandated for all vehicles crossing the border from our neighbouring country."

Paraguay has been certified as free of the disease with vaccination since January 2005, and exports to more than 35 markets, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

The suspected outbreak in Bolivia comes as an inspection team from the European Union is in Paraguay to certify the absence of foot-and-mouth disease in the country. The team will be in the country until 7 February to verify foot and mouth vaccination and other sanitation issues.

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