Importing beef from Argentina – reopening of comment period

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening the comment period for their proposed rule that would allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Argentina located north of Patagonia South and Patagonia North B, referred to as Northern Argentina. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. Comments made on or before the new Dec. 29 deadline will be considered. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has expressed concern about this action regarding Northern Argentina, a region that is not recognized as being free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) by APHIS. They strongly believe that the action presents a significant risk to the health and well-being of the nation’s cattle herd through the possible introduction of FMD virus. Read more at USDA-APHIS…