Brasília, 2/26/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Deputy Odacir Zonta (PPB/SC) has requested minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, seek a fast and energetic response by the government with regard to the crisis resulting from the suspension by Russia of pork imports from Brazil. The reason for the suspension is the presence of the Aujeszky disease in Santa Catarina.

Zonta suggests that a mission be sent to Russia as soon as possible in order to reduce losses which are running at some R$50 million monthly in Santa Catarina, a state which was exporting around 80% of all Brazilian pork being sold in Russia. (AB)