NOBULL: RE: Brazils Santa Catarina state cleared to export pork to USA – Free trade at all costs. The cost will be to U.S. livestock producers.

Mike,

Clarification needed. Brazil has been exporting beef and pork to the U.S. for a long time, but it has been precooked, to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease virus. Now, raw pork is approved for export to the U.S. from one state in Brazil. Raw beef will follow. It is important to make this distinction, as raw pork is the usual vehicle for introduction of FMD to a country. See history about the United Kingdom’s most recent two outbreaks of FMD.

It is the raw meat that carries an increased risk, and significantly so, for the introduction of FMD virus.

Free trade at all costs. The cost will be to U.S. livestock producers.

Dr. Thornsberry