The 25 nations of the European Union have also suspended Brazilian meat imports, including South Africa, Russia, and Israel.
The suspension comes on the heels of a discovery this week that an outbreak of extremely contagious foot-and-mouth cattle disease has been discovered near Eldorado, in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Tests show some 140 animals were infected, prompting authorities to slaughter all 582 animals on the homestead.
Foot-and-mouth disease, which also attacks sheep, pigs and goats, is a highly contagious viral illness that can be spread through minimal contact with infected animals, farm equipment or meat. The disease can be fatal to animals, but does not harm humans.
Brazil is the world's leading beef exporter by volume.
