August 16, 2004

US Not Likely To Lift Canadian Cattle Ban In August
 
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, responding to rumors that the U.S. was ready to lift its ban on Canadian live cattle this month, said Friday that too much work remained to be done for USDA to meet that time frame.
 
"I think it will take us longer than August in order to get this rule (to lift the ban) out," Veneman told reporters.
 
In response to Canada's case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, reported in May 2003, the U.S. maintains a ban on all Canadian cattle. The U.S. allows in boneless boxed beef from cattle under 30 months of age but bans the same product from older animals.
 
The U.S. is currently considering partially lifting those bans. The USDA has issued a proposal to allow in Canadian cattle, so long as they are under 30 months of age, as well as open up to boneless boxed beef from cattle of any age.
 
The U.S. also discovered a case of BSE last year, in December, but USDA officials said they proved that the infected cow had been imported from Canada.
 
Beyond saying the U.S. would not likely lift the ban this month, Veneman said it would be "impossible" to give any time frame.