Colombian Import Restrictions on US Beef Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows
Source: The DairyNews
Colombia has implemented restrictions on the import of beef and beef products fr om select U.S. states wh ere dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza as of April 15, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This marks the first instance globally of a country officially curtailing beef trade due to bird flu in cows, underscoring the widening economic repercussions of the virus's impact on global poultry trade. While Colombia's annual import of beef from the U.S. remains relatively small, the move reflects a significant development, according to government data and market analysts.
As detailed in a recent notice on the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service website, updated on April 22, the ban encompasses beef products originating from cattle slaughtered in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. Colombia has imposed temporary restrictions specifically on raw bovine meat products. However, shipments with valid import permits may still face port delays.
These restrictions coincide with the U.S. government's announcement of mandatory bird flu testing for dairy cattle moving between states, effective Monday. This escalation in federal measures responds to an outbreak that has affected the U.S. milk supply, with reported cases in eight states and 33 dairy herds since its initial detection in late March, originating in Texas. Notably, a person in proximity to infected cattle tested positive for the disease, experiencing conjunctivitis.
As of now, no U.S. beef cattle have tested positive for bird flu, according to government sources. Colombia stands as the sole country to impose official restrictions on U.S. beef exports due to the H5N1 outbreak. Joe Schuele, spokesperson for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, emphasized the lack of scientific basis for import restrictions related to the avian flu outbreak, highlighting the significant impact on exporters conducting business in Colombia and their clientele.
As detailed in a recent notice on the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service website, updated on April 22, the ban encompasses beef products originating from cattle slaughtered in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. Colombia has imposed temporary restrictions specifically on raw bovine meat products. However, shipments with valid import permits may still face port delays.
These restrictions coincide with the U.S. government's announcement of mandatory bird flu testing for dairy cattle moving between states, effective Monday. This escalation in federal measures responds to an outbreak that has affected the U.S. milk supply, with reported cases in eight states and 33 dairy herds since its initial detection in late March, originating in Texas. Notably, a person in proximity to infected cattle tested positive for the disease, experiencing conjunctivitis.
As of now, no U.S. beef cattle have tested positive for bird flu, according to government sources. Colombia stands as the sole country to impose official restrictions on U.S. beef exports due to the H5N1 outbreak. Joe Schuele, spokesperson for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, emphasized the lack of scientific basis for import restrictions related to the avian flu outbreak, highlighting the significant impact on exporters conducting business in Colombia and their clientele.
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