The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is calling on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to immediately halt U.S. beef imports from Brazil. The announcement comes as Brazil reported another atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy to the World Animal Organization for Animal Health last week. That report indicated 35 days elapsed between when the case was first identified and the date it was confirmed.
NCBA president Todd Wilkinson says, “We have seen Brazil repeatedly fail to meet the 24-hour requirement for reporting of animal diseases.” Wilkinson adds, “We expect USDA to keep the border closed to Brazil until they can demonstrate that they are willing and able to play by the trade rules that govern all other nations.”
NCBA sent a letter to USDA, demanding immediate action on this issue. NCBA also supports bipartisan Senate legislation to suspend Brazilian beef imports pending a review of Brazil’s standards.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)