Lawmakers aim to block cattle, swine from Argentina
Thursday, July 10, 2008, 3:26 PM
by Peter Shinn
South Dakota Democrat Tim Johnson and a bi-partisan group of nine other U.S. Senators from cattle producing states introduced a bill Thursday that would block swine and cattle imports from Argentina until the entire country is free of foot and mouth disease (FMD). USDA has proposed rules that would allow such imports from areas of Argentina that have been certified as FMD-free. But Johnson, in a statement, indicated that's still too risky.
"The bill introduced today will ensure Argentina is free of the disease before any livestock crosses our borders," Johnson said.
Supporters of legislation to block livestock imports from Argentina cited FMD's highly contagious nature and the devastating economic impact an outbreak would have on America's economy. That's why South Dakota Democratic Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin told Brownfield she'll introduce a similar measure in the House of Representatives within days.
"We've been working closely with Senator Johnson on this issue and we plan to introduce a companion bill next week," Herseth Sandlin said.
According to Herseth Sandlin, the U.S. Animal Health Association, whose membership is made up of state veterinarians, backs the legislation to block swine and cattle from Argentina. R-CALF USA, National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen's Association all issued statements Thursday applauding the measure's introduction in the Senate.
Thursday, July 10, 2008, 3:26 PM
by Peter Shinn
South Dakota Democrat Tim Johnson and a bi-partisan group of nine other U.S. Senators from cattle producing states introduced a bill Thursday that would block swine and cattle imports from Argentina until the entire country is free of foot and mouth disease (FMD). USDA has proposed rules that would allow such imports from areas of Argentina that have been certified as FMD-free. But Johnson, in a statement, indicated that's still too risky.
"The bill introduced today will ensure Argentina is free of the disease before any livestock crosses our borders," Johnson said.
Supporters of legislation to block livestock imports from Argentina cited FMD's highly contagious nature and the devastating economic impact an outbreak would have on America's economy. That's why South Dakota Democratic Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin told Brownfield she'll introduce a similar measure in the House of Representatives within days.
"We've been working closely with Senator Johnson on this issue and we plan to introduce a companion bill next week," Herseth Sandlin said.
According to Herseth Sandlin, the U.S. Animal Health Association, whose membership is made up of state veterinarians, backs the legislation to block swine and cattle from Argentina. R-CALF USA, National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen's Association all issued statements Thursday applauding the measure's introduction in the Senate.