Uruguay: Individual traceability in horses is a priority

Uruguay has been working to implement individual traceability in horses as the European Union is demanding and provide maximum guarantees to importing countries. To date, group traceability is used, accompanied by some requirements that ensure the health and origin of the animals that are sent to slaughter. In December of last year, Uruguay slaughtered 57,067 horses and the annual export of horse meat generated US$37,504,000, with an average price of US$4,425 per ton, according to data from the National Meat Institute (INAC). The main destinations for horse meat exported by Uruguay in 2023 were: Belgium (with US$ 11.1 million), France (US$ 10.4 million), Russia (US$ 4.84 million), Kazakhstan (US$ 3.25 million) and Switzerland (US$ 2.86 million). The EU is asking for individual traceability in horse meat, not only with the physical location, but also with health and we are working on that,” stated the General Director of Livestock Services, Dr. Diego De Freitas to Rurales El País. ...