Argentine Beef Off The Menu

New cases of foot-and-mouth discovered in cattle in Argentina’s northern Corrientes Province has led to most countries in the region closing their borders to Argentine meat imports, including Chile, the third-largest importer of Argentina’s product. The disease was confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, by Argentine authorities and provoked an immediate and swift reaction from its export markets. Argentina is the world’s fifth-largest beef exporter, with exports accounting for $1.6 billion last year. The ban on beef is likely to last at least six months and will have an important effect on Argentina’s beef industry as prices slump. Ironically, it may help the government’s fight against inflation.