Paraguay lifts ban on beef export

Paraguay has lifted the ban on beef exports, which was imposed after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at a ranch in central Paraguay on 19 September 2011.

Following this announcement, the government plans to begin discussions with other countries to resume sales.

Before the imposition of the export ban, Paraguay was expected to rank as the world’s eighth largest exporter of beef in 2011, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Beef is Paraguay’s second largest export after soy, and its livestock segment represents 10% of the gross domestic product.

During the first four months of 2011, Paraguay exported 57,000mt of beef, with 22,000t exported to its largest customer Russia, and in 2010, it exported 170,344t of beef valued at $807m, according Paraguay’s national animal health agency Senacsa.

Foot-and-mouth disease affects animals with cloven hoofs, and although it is not harmful to humans, it causes weight loss in livestock.