US to impose ruminant restrictions

The USDA has placed additional restrictions on ruminant semen and embryos (germplasm) shipments from the EU, in response to the Schmallenberg outbreak in the region.

To be eligible for importation, any consignments of bovine germplasm, originating from the countries listed below must include a statement on the official export health certificate that they were collected prior to June 1, 2011.

Importations of live ruminants from the EU are currently prohibited due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

No restrictions have been placed by APHIS at this time on any ruminant products or by-products.