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Brazil warns of suspected case of mad cow disease

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reported that it is analyzing a suspected case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“mad cow disease”) and if confirmed, will force the suspension of beef exports to China.

The samples have already been submitted to laboratories for analysis confirmation and appropriate action will be taken immediately depending on the results.

In September 2021, a case of atypical local cattle disease caused by a single mutation was discovered in Brazil, halting meat shipments to China for several months.

If an infection is confirmed, Brazil must formally report it to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and, under the terms of the sanitary agreement it has signed with China, suspend shipments until Asian authorities make another decision.