News Update

News Update
May 21, 2007

Brucellosis Surfaces in Montana Herd

Seven cows traced to a Bridger, Mont., ranch have tested positive for brucellosis, state officials confirmed May 18.

According to an article released today by The Associated Press, state and federal agriculture agents are investigating the source of the outbreak north of the Wyoming border to determine if the disease has spread. If investigators find a second brucellosis-infected herd, Montana could lose its brucellosis-free status.

Almost 300 cows from the affected herd will be quarantined until the investigation is complete, AP reported.

Brucellosis was thought to have been eradicated from livestock in Montana in 1985, although the disease persisted in wildlife in and around Yellowstone National Park. According to AP, state officials conducting the investigation said diseased elk herds remain a possible route of transmission.

Japan Suspends U.S. Shipment

Japan suspended imports from a U.S. meat plant May 18 after a shipment didn’t contain proper documentation.

According to AP, a box of frozen beef stomach in a shipment from the Fort Morgan, Colo., Cargill Meat Solutions’ plant did not have required papers.

The ban occurred while Japanese officials were touring U.S. processors to evaluate their compliance with restrictions.

USDA Releases Poultry for Processing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced May 18 that it will allow approximately 80,000 birds held on farms in Indiana to be released and approved for processing.

According to the agency, testing confirms that meat from poultry fed rations supplemented with pet food scraps containing melamine and related compounds is safe for human consumption. Testing showed that a person weighing 132 pounds (lb.) would have to eat more than 800 lb. per day of chicken or other food containing melamine and its compounds to approach a level of consumption that would cause a health concern.

USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation.

Death Tax Repeal Legislation Introduced

Congressmen Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) and Robert Cramer (D-Ala.) introduced a bill last week that promotes full, permanent repeal of the death tax.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a 10-year phase-out to full repeal by 2010 is scheduled. However, the tax will be re-instated in 2011 — under 2001 levels — unless Congress approves legislation making the repeal permanent.

Farm Labor Part of Immigration Bill

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) last week helped to add a farm labor immigration proposal to the immigration bill. According to DTN, the Senate this week will tackle comprehensive immigration reform addressing immigration problems and border security issues.

The bill proposes legalization processes for current farm workers as well as a guest-worker program and changes in a visa program, DTN reports.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.