Brasília, November 25, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - For the first time since it was created in 1924, the World Organization of Animal Health, which has 162 members will meet outside its headquarters in Paris. The meeting in Rio de Janeiro is seen as "a just homage to our efforts to control and eradicate foot and mouth disease," says minister of Agriculture, Pratini de Morais.

Today 50% of Brazilian territory, 85% of its cattle and buffalo herds and practically 100% of its swine are in areas technically free of foot and mouth disease with vaccination. (AB)