US reintroduces legislation to block meat shipments from Argentina

US senators have reintroduced legislation that would block meat shipments from Argentina until it is free of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

The bill prohibits the importation into the US of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or fresh (including chilled or frozen) product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Agriculture Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of FMD without vaccination.

FMD was detected in Argentina as recently as 2006.

Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced the Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act, which would add common sense to a proposal by the USDA, that would allow importation of Argentine fresh and pre-packaged beef, lamb and other meat from select regions of Argentina, as well as live animals.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has deemed FMD the most economically devastating of all livestock diseases.

A recent study by Kansas State University found that an outbreak of FMD would cost the State of Kansas alone nearly US$1 billion.