The U.S. Department of Agriculture did on Tuesday release its proposed rule to establish general regulations for “improving the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate when animal disease events take place.” Find more details about the proposed rule by reading “USDA Unveils Animal Disease Traceability Plan.”
Below are portions of statements on the propose rule coming from the nation’s leading ag industry organizations.
R-CALF USA:
“The proposed rule, expected to be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register, not only spurns the U.S. livestock industries key recommendations regarding the hot-iron brand and younger cattle, but also, it snubs the critical recommendation by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s own Advisory Committee on Animal Health, which urged the Secretary to provide at least a 120-day public comment period for the proposed rule. Instead, Vilsack is only providing a 90-day public comment period.” Read full statement…
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:
“Cattlemen’s top priority is raising healthy cattle. As such, NCBA is supportive of an ADT program for cattle health purposes. That is why NCBA has been an industry leader working diligently with other cattle groups and USDA’s APHIS to ensure cattlemen’s concerns are addressed in a new ADT program. NCBA commends APHIS for its recent efforts to listen to concerns of America’s cattlemen in developing this traceability program.” Read full statement…
National Farmers Union
“The proposed rule USDA revealed today is a step in the right direction for animal disease traceability. We recognize that this will not prevent disease, but it does create a systematic approach to allow for swift response when there are issues. The ability to trace, track and quarantine livestock during a disease outbreak will help minimize the economic impact it will have on the agriculture industry and rural America.” Read full statement…
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association
(No statement has been released yet.)
American Farm Bureau Federation
(No statement has been released yet.)
© Northern Ag Network 2011
Haylie Shipp
