Cattle for export to be inspected today by Mexican veterinarian, exports to follow on Tuesday, Wednesday

Published by BBN Staff at June 28, 2021

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Posted: Monday, June 28, 2021. 9:49 am CST.

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The 500 head of cattle Belize intends to export to Mexico are being inspected today in Shipyard and Blue Creek by a Mexican veterinarian sent by SENASICA.

SENASICA is the competent authority for animal health in Mexico, similar to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).

“The cattle will be inspected today and then we will have two cargos on Tuesday and on Wednesday,” Principal Agriculture Officer, Belarmino Esquivel said.

412 head were vaccinated and quarantined in Shipyard in late April said Esquivel but because of SENASICA’s requirements the exportation was delayed.

Since then, 88 more animals were quarantined in Blue Creek, 55 at the David Dyck Farm, and 33 at the Alvin Dyck Farm, according to Mindy Garcia, General Manager of the Belize Livestock Producers Association,

Garcia said the total of animals exported will depend on how many animals are approved by the SENASICA veterinarian. Esquivel figures that at least 450 head of cattle will be approved for export.

Dr. Miguel DePaz, Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture said the animals were vaccinated against anthrax, fever, influenza, infectious rhinotracheitis, viral bovine diarrhea, and leptospirosis. During quarantine, they were also tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis.

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai said that so far over 20,000 animals valued at nearly $30 million have been exported to Guatemala and Mexico. Those words were echoed by Prime Minister John Briceño on Wednesday.

Livestock farmers are hoping that when Prime Minister Briceño meets with Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a partial-scope agreement, like the one Belize already has with Guatemala, will be reached.

A partial-scope agreement with Mexico should translate into more profits as it will mean fewer tariffs on Belize’s exports. Livestock producers are hoping to not only export live animals but cattle by-products as well.

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