Brazil’s mad cow woes could benefit New Zealand

The suspension of Brazilian beef exports to China following the discovery of mad cow disease could benefit New Zealand exporters, says the Meat Industry Association. Mad cow disease, or Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a fatal neurological disease in cattle, is linked to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which affects the brain in humans. Last week it was detected in a nine-year-old bull in the Brazilian state of Para in the north of the country, resulting in the immediate suspension of exports to China. Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the impact on NZ trade from Brazil’s suspension will depend how long it is in place. When BSE was last discovered in the Brazilian beef herd in 2021, exports were suspended for three months. “If the case is an atypical form of the disease, which is indicated, the suspension may not last long and may have limited impact on trade,” she said. “However, if it is a longer suspension, China will need to source beef from other suppliers.” ...