Moran Encourages USDA to Delay Opening of Canadian Board to Cattle

MORAN ENCOURAGES USDA TO DELAY OPENING OF CANADIAN BORDER TO CATTLE

Says Investigation Should be Concluded Before Imports are Allowed

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jerry Moran, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, today called on the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maintain restrictions on Canadian beef imports until a better understanding of the risks to America beef producers can be reached.

"With the recent announcement of a third case of BSE in Canada and concerns over compliance with the feed ban, we need to make sure that the American beef industry remains strong," Moran said. "To this point, the USDA has done a tremendous job of keeping the industry safe from BSE. Before we reopen the borders, the investigation ought to be completed to ensure that safety will continue."

The USDA will be sending a team to Canada to investigate that country's compliance with a 1997 ban on the use of feed containing materials from cattle at risk of having BSE. While the U.S. and Canada have similar feed ban regulations, recent reports indicate that the feed ban may have been violated, expanding the risk of BSE in Canadian cattle.

"It is important that the USDA fully investigate the effectiveness of the feed ban in Canada before opening these markets," Moran said. "The health of the American beef industry, and the ability to regain export markets, cannot be put at risk."

Moran also encouraged the USDA to continue efforts to reopen beef exports to Japan. In 2003, American exports to Japan were valued at $1.39 billion.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ks01_moran/nr011905USDABorder.html