Ban on Importation of Older Cattle to be Lifted
November 18, 2005
November 18, 2005 -- The Bush Administration plans to lift the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-related restrictions on Canadian cattle by proposing a new rule in the next six to eight months, according to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Ron DeHaven, DVM.
Restrictions on the import of Canadian cattle, in place since 2003, were lifted earlier this year for younger animals, but older cattle ? 30 months-of-age and older ? and the beef derived from them are still barred.
American Meat Institute president, J. Patrick Boyle, urged Agricultures Secretary Mike Johanns to restore full cattle and beef trade with Canada immediately in an effort to ease the economic situation for packers that specialize in the slaughter of older animals.
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