In the 80´s, the Melado communities underwent convoluted trade circumstances. Various outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Argentina endangered cattle herds. Challenged with feasible risks to the nation, the sanitary authorities decided to sacrifice all hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats) at all border communities in Chile. Animal trade with Argentina was forbidden, severely distressing and eradicating trade.
Gradually families began to depart to other cities (Colbún, Panimávida, San Clemente, Linares), abandoning their traditional way of life, a lifestyle innate to them passed down from their ancestors.
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