China has immediately halted the import of Brazilian beef following the discovery of two cases of 'atypical' BSE mad cow disease in two Brazilian meat processing plants. Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter, and China is its largest customer.
The two BSE cases were identified in the states of Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais. These are the fourth and fifth 'atypical' cases of BSE in Brazil in 23 years. At the end of last week, Brazilian media reported a suspected case.
The two cases were confirmed on Friday after samples were sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) laboratory in Alberta, Canada.
The “atypical” mad cow disease develops spontaneously and is not related to eating contaminated feed, authorities in Rio de Janeiro stress. Brazil has never had a case of “classical” mad cow disease,
The immediate suspension of beef trade is part of a trade agreement between China and Brazil intended to give Beijing time for further investigation. This procedure is somewhat similar to international notifications concerning swine fever or bird flu.
China is very alert to this and almost always immediately suspends all imports. China will decide when to resume importing Brazilian beef. The suspension is a major blow to Brazilian farmers: China and Hong Kong buy more than half of Brazil's beef exports.