The Brazilian government wants to reverse the total embargo imposed on Brazilian meat by four countries as a result of the focuses of hoof and mouth disease detected in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Roberto Rodrigues, Brazilian missions are working to reestablish the markets of Chile, South Africa, Israel, and Argentina, countries that suspended meat purchases from all parts of Brazilian territory.

Rodrigues said that a mission is in Chile to get the embargo limited at least to Mato Grosso do Sul. Chile, which buys 10% of the beef exported by Brazil, banned imports of the product on October 14.

The announcement of focuses of hoof and mouth disease in Mato Grosso do Sul led 49 countries to impose trade restrictions, most of them partial.

The Minister said that, due to the restrictions, it is possible that US$ 300 million in beef exports will be lost, of the estimated US 3 billion in sales forecast for 2005.

"It is a very big crisis that we are undergoing with hoof and mouth disease," Rodrigues commented, classifying himself as the minister of the crisis in a public hearing, Tuesday, November 8, before the Agriculture Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.

ABr