Brasília, May 4, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Yesterday (3), at the official inauguration of the ExpoZebu [cattle fair] in Uberaba (MG), the Minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, launched the fifth phase of this year's national vaccination campaign to combat hoof and mouth disease. Immunization of the bovine and bubaline herds got underway in January and will reach 16 states this month.

With the aid of vaccination, 91% of the national cattle herd is free of hoof and mouth disease. This status enables Brazil to expand its export markets for this sector. Beef exports last year totaled around US$ 1.5 billion.

In March, Minister Rodrigues emphasized that, in order to erradicate hoof and mouth disease, three measures should be adopted: a buildup in veterinary care services, a deeper involvement by the private sector in programs to eliminate the disease, and an integrated effort between Brazil and its neighbors in South America.

Last year the Brazilian government donated a million doses of hoof and mouth vaccine to Bolivia and 500 thousand to Paraguay.

Translator: David Silberstein