Brasília, February 27, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In March five Brazilian states will take part in the Hoof and Mouth Disease Vaccination Campaign. The states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Ceará, and eastern Minas Gerais have 21.3 million head of cattle, representing 11% of Brazil's 187 million total. The Ministry of Agriculture's objective is to vaccinate 100% of the herd in these states.

Currently, 91% of the Brazilian cattle herd is free of hoof and mouth, with vaccination. According to the substitute director of the Department of Animal Sanitation, Jamil Souza, this has enabled the sector to expand its export market. (DAS)