An atypical case of BSE has been confirmed in Poland. Atypical BSE is a form of BSE that can occur spontaneously in older cows without a secondary source of infection. The case was found in the south-west of Poland, in lower Silesia. The cow has been culled and the case was reported. Poland’s BSE risk status has not been affected and remains in the category negligible risk. As a result of the BSE case, Belarus introduced temporary restrictions on imports into Belarus of Polish breeding, utilitarian and slaughtered cattle, and wild animals susceptible to this disease, intended for zoological and circus gardens.

This gives a chance to Belarusian manufacturers to increase exports. It is for the export of beef that they bet on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in the coming years. Here they remind about plans by 2020: for example, deliveries of meat and meat products to foreign markets should increase to 376 thousand tons. Including export of beef is expected to be 152 thousand tons.

According to the Ministry, among the promising markets are countries with a minimum tariff protection: for example, Vietnam, Egypt, and Malaysia, where zero duties on beef import are in force. By the way, the free trade zone with Vietnam has noticeably affected exports: for 11 months of last year shipments of Belarusian beef amounted to 514 tons. Another promising market is China, where last year’s beef was sold for $ 1.3 million.

SOURCE: Agroberichten Buitenland