Scrapie cases in sheep could complicate exports of bovine by-products

The SENASA confirmed three cases of classical scrapie in sheep in the provinces of Santa Fe and Entre Ríos.

Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by prions, primarily affecting sheep and goats, and is not common in cattle. Argentina had not previously recorded any cases.

SENASA, which has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health, stated that “following the change in the country’s sanitary status,” it is working on “adapting export certificates to ensure continuity in international markets and avoid disruptions in shipments.”

According to sources in the beef processing industry, beef exports are not expected to face major issues. However, by-products (such as meat and bone meal and offal) could be more affected, as they are often covered under multi-species certification, although work is already underway to address requirements on a destination-by-destination basis.

According to one source, beef shipments to the United States and the European Union should not face restrictions. In China, both bone-in and boneless beef, as well as hides, are also expected to continue entering without major disruptions.