Shortcomings still exist in Argentina’s system for combating foot-and-mouth disease, according to a report from the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), published on 22 August.
The aim of the audit was to evaluate whether the surveillance and regionalisation measures for foot-and-mouth disease in the Patagonia Norte A zone provide adequate guarantees for the export to the European Union of fresh bovine, ovine, farmed and wild ruminant meat not subject to deboning and maturation.
The report concludes that regionalisation of Patagonia Norte A as foot-and-mouth free without vaccination is generally supported by a robust geographical, physical and operational separation system from the zone with vaccination. However, the system does not fully address the risk identified of the introduction of vaccinated cattle, whether intentional or unintentional, the report stipulates.
Experts also considered that, by relaxing several rules of identification and movement of cattle, the relevant authorities have “created a loophole that makes it possible for meat currently certified for EU export to come from animals which do not comply with residency requirements (three months) in the territory of origin”.
The report contains recommendations to address the shortcomings identified, such as that to ensure that the laboratory responsible for the foot-and-mouth diagnosis can demonstrate its ability to produce technically valid results. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)