U.S. groups seek help from senators to keep border closed to older cows

WASHINGTON — More than 100 U.S. agricultural groups and livestock auction yards sent a letter to senators this week seeking help to stop older Canadian cows from crossing the border.
calendar icon 14 March 2007
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The U.S. Agriculture Department is working on a rule to resume imports of older cattle after they closed a public comment period Monday.

Last month, R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America asked officials to extend comments in light of Canada’s latest mad cow case —known as BSE — surfacing, but the department refused. The February case was Canada’s ninth.

R-CALF organized the letter campaign for legislators.

“USDA’s proposal is premature and will cause additional and potentially severe consequences for U.S. independent cattle producers,” said the letter.

“Congress should intercede to protect the health and safety of the U.S. cattle herd, the safety of the U.S. beef supply and the viability of the U.S. cattle industry.”

The letter is signed by small and large groups, including several state cattlemen’s associations.

The U.S. shut the border to Canadian cattle after the first Alberta BSE case in May 2003.

Source:Canada.com
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