Bipartisan Support for Bill Banning Cattle Imports
Legislation introduced to stop FMD at the border.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jan 29, 2009
Senators Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., have introduced legislation designed to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into the United States from Argentina. The bill, which has several co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, would prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh meat or fresh product of any ruminant or swine, which is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina. The ban would be lifted once the Agriculture Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of FMD without vaccination.
R-CALF USA President Max Thornsberry, called the legislation common-sense and that the most effective prevention measure against this highly contagious disease is to ensure that it is not imported into the United States.
"FMD is recognized internationally as one of the most contagious diseases of cloven-hoofed animals and it bears the potential to cause severe economic losses to U.S. cattle producers," said Thornsberry. "We want to thank all of these senators for their continued efforts to stay on top of this situation and we encourage all of our members to contact their respective Senators to express their support for this bill."
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