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5/18/2006
R-CALF:
Producers Pleased Mexican Cattle Imports Postponed (Billings, Mont.) – R-CALF USA always has maintained the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should keep domestic import standards high to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases (FADs), and this organizational philosophy also includes the prevention of potential introduction of foreign parasites. “R-CALF applauds USDA for heeding advice from the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) that recommended standards should not be relaxed in regard to imports of Mexican cattle from areas of Mexico infested with fever ticks,” said R-CALF USA President and Region V Director Chuck Kiker. “This will help keep fever ticks from encroaching any farther into Texas than the border area already affected.” USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) had proposed to eliminate the prohibition on entry of Mexican cattle exposed to or infested with fever ticks, or exposed to tick-borne diseases, into areas of Texas that had been quarantined due to fever tick problems. In January, R-CALF USA asked USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and to conduct a full risk/cost analysis of the proposed rule before any further weakening of cattle import standards from fever tick-infested areas in Mexico was considered. R-CALF USA also expressed concern that that lowering U.S. import standards under present circumstances could jeopardize the health of the U.S. cattle herd and negatively affect the U.S. cattle industry. “Recently, R-CALF received a letter from USDA indicating that APHIS was indeed withdrawing its proposed rule on this matter, and that the agency would initiate a risk assessment before deciding what future regulatory action to take,” Kiker explained. “R-CALF is pleased with the decision and agrees that more needs to be known about importing at-risk cattle from Mexico. We also appreciate USDA’s decision in this regard to protect the herd health of the U.S. cattle industry, and look forward to working with USDA on other matters related to cattle health.” Kiker also acknowledged the efforts of TAHC’s executive director Bob Hillman, DVM, and his analysis and leadership on addressing this proposed rule. “R-CALF was very pleased to learn that APHIS agreed with Dr. Hillman’s recommendation and chose to stop any further action on this matter pending a more thorough review of potential risks,” Kiker said. The proposed rule would also have added San Luis, Ariz., as a new port of entry into the U.S. for Mexican cattle. “Opening San Luis as a new port would primarily have benefited only a small number of cattle producers, brokers and dealers in both countries, and information on the costs to operate San Luis as a new port wasn’t included in the proposed rule, there is concern that the costs to run such a facility might outweigh the benefits.” Members of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas (ICA), an R-CALF affiliate organization, also were pleased to learn of USDA’s decision to hold off on Mexican cattle imports. “The fever tick infestation continues to create problems for ranchers in that area,” noted ICA Executive Director Bill Hyman. “We were proud to stand up with the Texas Animal Health Commission to protect the health of our cattle in South Texas.” # # # R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA, a national, non-profit organization, is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA’s membership consists primarily of cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and feedlot owners. Its members – over 18,000 strong – are located in 47 states, and the organization has over 60 local and state association affiliates, from both cattle and farm organizations. Various main street businesses are associate members of R-CALF USA. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516
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