July 24, 2007

USDA updates its cattle export testing regulations

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is modifying its livestock exportation regulations by eliminating tuberculosis and brucellosis testing requirements for certain US cattle before export.

APHIS is removing the requirement for pre-export tuberculosis and brucellosis testing of certain cattle being exported to countries that do not require such testing. This action is to ease restrictions on certain exports of US cattle to Canada for which testing is not needed.

Canadian animal health authorities have recognized the US' success in eradicating brucellosis, tuberculosis and other diseases by establishing their own Restricted Feeder Cattle Program, which allows certain untested feeder cattle to be imported into Canada. To participate in this program, the feeder cattle must originate from a state that has been designated by APHIS as brucellosis and tuberculosis free.

If other countries importing US cattle suspend or remove their testing requirements, this rule will ensure that US cattle exporters receive the full benefits of no longer being required to perform pre-export tests.

Currently all states are designated accredited-free for tuberculosis except Minnesota, Texas and portions of Michigan, and New Mexico, and all states except Idaho and Texas are designated as class free for brucellosis.

The final rule is scheduled for publication in the July 23 Federal Register and becomes effective August 22.