APHIS PUTS BRAKES ON DIRTY USED FARM EQUIPMENT IMPORTS

APHIS PUTS BRAKES ON DIRTY USED FARM EQUIPMENT IMPORTS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will prohibit the importation of uncleaned used farm equipment from regions known to have the livestock disease, to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the United States.
   APHIS wants used farm equipment to undergo extensive steam cleaning in the country of origin before it comes to the United States. National agricultural agencies must also certify the cleaning. In addition, APHIS inspectors will inspect equipment at the port upon arrival.
   “Many U.S. ports do not have facilities that allow large mechanized equipment to be cleaned in a way that ensures that soil and other particulate matter has been removed,” APHIS said. “Additionally, some ports are not constructed to allow for secure disposal of waste water and other cleaning materials.”
   APHIS considers the restriction on used imported farm equipment an “interim” rule. The agency said it would take comments from the industry about the rule through July 12.
   For more information, contact Dr. Karen James-Preston, assistant director of the Technical Trade Services Team at APHIS’ National Center for Import and Export, at (301) 734-8364.