* Govt lifts ban imposed due to foot-and-mouth outbreak * Russia to keep buying, officials in talks with Chile ASUNCION, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Paraguayan officials gave local meatpackers approval to resume beef exports on Friday, a month after they were halted due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The outbreak was a tough blow for the fast-growing beef industry in the South American country, a top 10 global exporter until September. Meatpacking plants were paralyzed during the ban, prompting the central bank to cut its economic growth forecast. [ID:nS1E78I0VQ] Friday's decision to lift the suspension was announced in a statement by the Senacsa national veterinary service. The freeze will remain in place for ranchers in the area where the highly contagious disease was detected. Foot-and-mouth is one of the world's most serious infectious diseases of farmed animals, though it is not harmful to humans. Beef is Paraguay's No. 2 export after soy, and the livestock industry accounts for about 10 percent of gross domestic product. The central bank said the foot-and-mouth outbreak would shave 0.2-0.3 percentage point off growth this year. The meatpacking industry estimates its losses so far at between $300 million and $400 million. Key buyer Russia will keep buying Paraguayan beef, officials said, adding that they hoped for progress on talks to resume shipments to Chile. (Reporting by Daniela Desantis; Writing by Helen Popper; Editing by Dale Hudson) (helen.popper@thomsonreuters.com; +54 11 4510 2505; Reuters Messaging: helen.popper.reuters.com@reuters.net))