Asia Pacific | Australian scientists develop DNA test for superior beef cattl...
Asia Pacific
Australian scientists develop DNA test for superior beef cattle
Australian scientists announced on Thursday that they have discovered a gene in cattle that dictates whether or not a cow will produce tender meat.
Bank of Japan's Suda Says Cheaper Yen Would Help Bring an End to Deflation
Japan's central bank could accept a cheaper yen as a result of easier monetary policy, and a decline in the currency would be a ``quick solution' to stop four years of price declines, said Miyako Suda, a member of the Bank of Japan's policy-setting board.
Japan Bans Belgian Pork
Swine fever in Belgium calls a halt to pig meat exports to Japan.
Americas
Government considers safeguards for pork and beef imports from the US
The Mexican Ministry of the Economy is considering the application of safeguards on the import of pork and beef from the US, the duties on which will drop from the current 2% and 7% respectively in January, 2003.
Brazil lifts ban on Paraguayan beef
Brazil on Friday lifted a ban on Paraguayan beef and meat by-products, imposed in September as a result of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak near the border, officials said.
Reports say China, Brazil Reach Deal on GMOs
Reports today say Brazil has reached a deal with China to keep its shipments of soybeans flowing after Dec. 20. The deal would allow Brazil to use temporary health certificates. Brazil's agriculture ministry said it would guarantee that its shipments are free of GMO soybeans.
End Export Subsidies
Canada and Cairns group call for complete elimination of export subsidies.
Chilean authorities have authorized the resumption of imports of beef from Argentina
Europe
Russia to restrict meat imports
Russia's Agriculture Ministry said it planned to restrict meat imports in 2003, dealing a potentially serious blow to Europe's largest livestock export market and the United States, a major poultry supplier.
Scotland Reports Possible Foot-and-Mouth
A suspected case of foot and mouth disease has been found on a Scottish farm and authorities have restricted movement of cattle within a five-mile radius while tests are completed, the Scottish Executive said Friday.
Call for national CJD tests
A Nobel Prize-winning scientist has reportedly said all Britons should be tested for variant CJD.
UK farmers flouting foot-and-mouth controls-NBA
LONDON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Britain could not properly trace animal movements if foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) erupts again, because farmers are flouting movement controls imposed in the wake of last year's epidemic, a lobby group said on Monday.
Double Trouble
Scientists believe bovine spongiform encephalopathy causes two forms of CJD.