June 1, 2005

Lifting of Argentine beef ban considered by US and Canada
 

In order to consider lifting the March 2001 ban on Argentine beef after widespread Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks, US Department of Agriculture and Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials are currently making inspections in Argentina.

No new cases have been reported since September 2003 and the World Organisation for Animal Health declared Argentina free of FMD in January this year.

Besides observing cattle production operations, the inspectors will also look at slaughter and meat processing facilities.