July 19, 2005

Canadian beef enters US again

The first Canadian beef shipment in two years has entered the US, crossing into New York from Ontario, Canada, on Jul 18.

USDA inspectors allowed a truckload of 35 head of Canadian cattle to enter the US at about 12 noon across the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

The border is now open to cattle and bison less than 30 months of age, and goats and sheep less than 12 months of age.

The US have recently lifted the Canadian beef import ban which was imposed in May 2003 after a cow was diagnosed with BSE in Alberta, Canada. The closed border had cost the Canadian beef industry an estimated US$5.6 billion in losses.

However, it may not be good news all the way, as an impending US court hearing set on Jul 27 could impose a permanent injunction against Canadian cattle and impede Canadian beef trade in the US again.