November 29, 2007

Montana steps up regulation on Canadian cattle imports

The Montana Department of Livestock sets up a new rule to regulate the entry of Canadian beef imports, after the federal government eased up controls.

The new rule, which is effective week, requires documents to substantiate that breeding cattle are free of brucellosis, tuberculosis and trichomoniasis.

Also imposed are strict requirements for animal identification, including a demand that animal ID include hot-iron brands and not just tattoos.

Department officials say tattoos can be hard to read over time.

The rule, similar to new rules in North Dakota and several other states, came as the federal government eased up border controls, allowing cattle of over 30 months of age into the US market.

Theresa Keddy, spokeswoman for the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, said they are not too happy with the developments.

Canada's government has declared the country's cattle TB-free, but that is not recognized in the United States.

Meanwhile, Montana's rule was lauded by R-Calf USA, a Billings-based organization critical of the federal action reopening the border.