USDA issues test exemption for Australia/New Zealand cattle imports

USDA issues test exemption for Australia/New Zealand cattle imports       The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will exempt cattle imports from Australia and New Zealand from testing for brucellosis before their export to the United States.
   “We have determined that the testing of cattle imported from Australia and New Zealand for brucellosis is not necessary to protect livestock in the United States from the disease,” the agency said.
   The agency added that exempting these tests would reduce the costs for exporters of cattle from these two countries to the United States. The cost for the brucellosis test ranges between $7.50 and $15 per head, including veterinary and handling fees.
   Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease affecting animals and humans. It may cause abortion and impaired fertility in livestock.
   Shipments of live cattle from Australia and New Zealand to the United States is limited. According to the USDA, no cattle were imported to the United States from New Zealand. Purebred cattle from Australia numbered only 17 head in 1998 and 21 head in 1999. None were imported fro the years 2000, 2001, and 2002. The number of non-purebred cattle imports from Australia has been about eight head per year from 1998 to 2002.