According, to the agriculture and livestock ministry in Brazil, the first case of mad cow disease was confirmed in the northern state of Para in Brazil. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, is an incurable and fatal disease of cattle. It primarily affects the central nervous system.
According to Brazilian authorities, Brazil has taken immediate steps to prevent any further spread of the disease. The infected animal is reportedly from a herd of 160 cattle and this site has been inspected and put in quarantine.
Due to the animal health agreement between Brazil and China, all beef exports from Brazil to China are temporarily suspended as of February 23rd. Currently, there is no indication about when the ban will be lifted again. The Brazilian beef market relies heavily on exports, as it is the largest exporter in the world, with a massive oversupply compared to domestic consumption. The export ban is expected to impact the Brazilian industry heavily, as China is the biggest importer of Brazilian beef.
