Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Edward Avalos says USDA will be opening a temporary cattle inspection facility in Eagle Pass, Texas. Avalos says this new inspection location is part of the ongoing effort to aggressively pursue opportunities to keep trade lines open in spite of the recent security challenges. Avalos is visiting the three latest inspection stations to open.
Since March 2010, USDA has suspended activities at three different livestock inspection stations in Northern Mexico, due to security concerns related to drug cartel violence. USDA took this action to protect the safety of veterinary personnel who traveled into Mexico to inspect and clear shipments of cattle destined for the U.S.
In identifying possible sites for temporary locations, USDA must ensure that imported animals are appropriately inspected to safeguard U.S. agriculture. This means that sites must have the appropriate handling and dipping facilities, can meet the anticipated volume of animals, and are readily accessible to cattle brokers and dealers.
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