On January 31, 2007, China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) notified FAS Beijing of a report confirming an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Asian 1 strain, on January 27, 2007 in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is China's first reported outbreak of FMD in 2007. This report, which the MOA's Chief Veterinary Officer also reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), is an unofficial translation of the MOA notification.
On July 10, 2006, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) notified the U.S. Embassy and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Henan County of Qinghai Province. This is China¡¯s 10th reported FMD case during calendar year 2006. Chinese authorities confirmed the FMD Asian I strain virus in all of these cases. This report includes a translation of MOA's notification.
China banned imports of U.S. beef and products in December 2003. Following intensive negotiations by USDA and a visit to the United States by a Chinese technical team, China agreed to re-open the market during 2005. In January 2006, China published the export conditions and a list of the approved U.S. bovine semen/embryo facilities. This report provides detailed requirements.
As the result of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in China and other parts of the world, Chinese beef demand increased in 2005 as consumers shifted from poultry to red meat. However, China's ban on imported U.S. beef remains in place, though market access was achieved for bovine semen/embryos and non-ruminant products (e.g., swine/poultry feeds, pet foods, etc.). Additionally, China's zero tolerance for certain pathogens on pork, beef and poultry products continue to impact trade. During 2006, China's pork production, comprising over half of the world's total supply, is forecast to increase 5 percent to 52 MMT, while beef production will rise 6.9 percent to 7.7 MMT. China's beef imports are not forecast to increase in 2006, while pork imports will decrease 4 percent due to a surplus in domestic supplies and low prices.
After China reported to the OIE Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Shandong and Jiansu Provinces two weeks ago, new FMD outbreaks were reported in Xinjiang, Hebei Province and Beijing. A total of 4,383 infected cattle were culled. The Chinese Government claimed that all the FMD-affected areas have been disinfected. Thus far, the Chinese beef market has not been significantly impacted--in part due to China's quick measures to eradicate the disease after the outbreaks. The Chinese Government has urged other countries to regionalize for beef trade. To date, there have been no reports of meat product quarantine actions from China's trading partners.
For the first time in decades, China acknowledged an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and officially informed the OIE, the global animal health organization. China's notifying the OIE of this disease is a notable development since unofficial reports indicate FMD existed for years. According to the report, 223 dairy cows were affected or exposed (all subsequently slaughtered) in Shandong and Jiangsu provinces. Additionally, AQSIQ immediately suspended exports of even-toed ungulates (pigs, cattle, etc.). FAS Beijing will submit a separate GAIN report assessing the market impact, if any, of China's FMD announcement.
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