Consider U.S. Cattle Before Importing, USDA Told

February 19, 2002

Gary Wilson, chairman of the Cattle Health and Well-being Committee of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, told USDA officials that they must, before agreeing to import Australian cattle, consider the health of the U.S. cattle herd. The comments were made to officials of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

"Maintaining the health of the U.S. cattle herd is a 24/7 365 day job that we as producers take very seriously," said Wilson. "We also take very seriously the role that APHIS plays in protecting the health of our cattle and the partnership we have in the process."

He emphasized that an open, transparent manner and process are imperative when decisions are being made that might effect disease status. "We are pleased that APHIS has reaffirmed its role and partnership with the cattle industry by hosting this forum," said Wilson. "It is a critical step in ensuring we maintain our partnership with APHIS."

Wilson emphasized livestock transportation issues and new threats of intentional introduction of cattle diseases must be part of the risk assessment process. "Issues of security aboard livestock transport vessels must be re-evaluated." Wilson said. "Live animals would represent a convenient vector for the deliberate introduction of foreign animal diseases to the U.S."