http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/02/09/bse050209.html
WASHINGTON - The United States will reopen its border to some Canadian cattle as planned on March 7, the U.S. agriculture secretary confirmed Wednesday.
Live Canadian cattle younger than 30 months will be allowed across the border, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has told Canadian officials, ending a ban imposed after a case of mad cow disease was found in Alberta in 2003.
However, Johanns warned that he may limit imports of boxed beef products to those made from cattle that were less than 30 months old when slaughtered. Several U.S. senators had pushed for the restriction.
The decision comes despite efforts by some U.S. ranchers and senators to keep the ban in place after two new cases of mad cow disease were confirmed in Alberta in January.
Canadian Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell has been in Washington this week lobbying U.S. officials to ease the restrictions.
The United States said late last year that they would open the border March 7, but some American ranchers had tried to use the courts to block that move.
Because the United States doesn't plan to accept older cattle across the border for some time, Canada still faces a glut of aged animals with no market in sight.
Canada's Minister of Agriculture, Andy Mitchell in Washington, Wednesday.
Ranchers expect that it will take some time before the industry returns to normal.
Farmers are hoping increased demand for beef in the U.S. will drive up prices for their animals.
Tighter American regulations could also slow down Canadian exports. From now on each livestock truck will have to be inspected by U.S. officials.
WASHINGTON - The United States will reopen its border to some Canadian cattle as planned on March 7, the U.S. agriculture secretary confirmed Wednesday.
Live Canadian cattle younger than 30 months will be allowed across the border, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has told Canadian officials, ending a ban imposed after a case of mad cow disease was found in Alberta in 2003.
However, Johanns warned that he may limit imports of boxed beef products to those made from cattle that were less than 30 months old when slaughtered. Several U.S. senators had pushed for the restriction.
The decision comes despite efforts by some U.S. ranchers and senators to keep the ban in place after two new cases of mad cow disease were confirmed in Alberta in January.
Canadian Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell has been in Washington this week lobbying U.S. officials to ease the restrictions.
The United States said late last year that they would open the border March 7, but some American ranchers had tried to use the courts to block that move.
Because the United States doesn't plan to accept older cattle across the border for some time, Canada still faces a glut of aged animals with no market in sight.
Canada's Minister of Agriculture, Andy Mitchell in Washington, Wednesday.
Ranchers expect that it will take some time before the industry returns to normal.
Farmers are hoping increased demand for beef in the U.S. will drive up prices for their animals.
Tighter American regulations could also slow down Canadian exports. From now on each livestock truck will have to be inspected by U.S. officials.
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