Mad cow disease: Suspected case in Brazil

Fears are ramping up about a suspected case of the debilitating livestock disease, which could rock global markets.

One of Australia’s major beef export competitors is anxiously waiting to see if it has a case of mad cow disease.

Brazil has a suspected case of the debilitating disease, which has the potential to ban exports from the country.

Brazil and Australia share many customers including China and the US, both big importers of beef.

A statement released today by the Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock in Brazil said tests were under way.

“Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) informs that, regarding the suspected case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“mad cow disease”), all measures are being adopted by governments,” read the statement, translated into English.

“The suspicion has already been submitted to laboratory analysis for confirmation or not and, based on the result, the appropriate actions will be applied immediately.”

It is not the first time that Brazil has had cases of Mad Cow Disease, most recently in September 2021 two suspected cases of the disease led to the suspension of trade between the South American nation and China.

Brazil is one of the biggest beef exporters in the world and is a major competitor to Australia.

The Weekly Times contacted Meat and Livestock Australia, with a spokesman saying they were watching the information closely but had no comment “at this stage”.

Cattle Australia has been contacted for comment.