The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the Senate for passing a resolution to block beef imports from Paraguay. The resolution comes after the USDA lifted the longstanding ban on Paraguayan beef imports despite the country’s concerning animal health track record.
“Our animal health standards are second to none, and we must be vigilant in protecting the U.S. cattle herd from harmful foreign animal diseases that could have a devastating impact on U.S. agriculture,” says Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher and NCBA President. “Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease is a great concern, and anyone who wants to trade with the U.S. must meet our high safety standards.”
NCBA specifically called out the outdated animal health data used to make USDA’s decision.
“The U.S. government relied on nine-year-old data and site visits from 2008 to 2014 to justify access for Paraguayan beef imports,” says Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs.
