In an attempt to stave off the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, Chile has today banned imports of cattle and some beef products from neighbouring Argentina.
The Chilean Ranching and Agricultural Service said the ban would come into effect today. Chile has been free of the disease since the mid-1980s.
In Buenos Aires, farm sector sources said the Argentine government's announcement that it had been notified of a case of foot-and- mouth disease, as yet unconfirmed, will cost the country's exporters US$200-250 million.
Separately, Chile announced that it would set up special health measures to try to stop the spread of the virus "Maedi visna" in sheep being imported from Argentina. The illness affects the respiratory system and is fatal.
A total of 199 sheep were ordered slaughtered and special monitoring was ordered for 20,000 head which could be affected.
AFP
