Chile has recognized the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul as an area free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination, which may favor exports of pork and beef to the country. The information was published by the Chilean Official Gazette.
The recognition enables the state to export animals and animal products to Chile, according to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi) of RS.
The decision considered the certification of Rio Grande do Sul as an area free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination granted by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
For Seapi’s secretary, Giovani Feltes, this recognition is a great opportunity for new business. “Chile has bilateral agreements with several European countries, which can open doors for the export of meat from Rio Grande do Sul”, he added.
In March, Seapi should receive a mission from the Philippines, also with the aim of certifying the area as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. Furthermore, the secretariat awaits the return of a mission from the Dominican Republic, which was in the state in January of this year.