Colombia has placed restrictions on imports of U.S. beef, and it comes one month after cases of High Path Avian Flu appeared in U.S. dairy cattle.
They are the first country to do so, and the ban includes beef products delivered from cattle that were slaughtered in the 8 states where cases have been confirmed. The restrictions include raw bovine and meat products. While Colombia only imports a small amount of beef from the U.S., industry groups like the U.S. Meat Export Federation feel Colombia’s decision does not have any scientific basis, and says the restrictions are a big deal for exporters doing business in the country. To date, no beef cattle have tested positive for the virus.
Starting Monday, any dairy cattle moving across state lines will need to test negative for the virus. It is a move that ag leaders hope will limit the spread and prevent any further restrictions.
Senator Chuck Grassley says when it comes to learning more about the virus, he wants to see what information be shared right away.
“I talked to people at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine on this point, when this was first discovered in dairy cattle and at that point, the laboratories still didn’t know all they needed to know about avian flu in cattle, but what they know or don’t know, at least what we do know, it ought to be mandatory for sharing worldwide.”
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