USDA keeps cattle moving at Mexican border

USDA keeps cattle moving at Mexican border    U.S. Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Edward Avalos on Thursday announced new efforts to protect the livestock trade between the United States and Mexico.
   In specific, Avalos said the U.S. Department of Agriculture will open a temporary cattle inspection facility in Eagle Pass, Texas, the third temporary facility opened since the suspensions earlier this year.

Avalos

   “The cattle trade provides an important source of revenue for American producers and buyers, and we are committed to maintaining the important trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico,” Avalos said, in a statement. “The new inspection location announced today is part of our ongoing effort to aggressively pursue opportunities to keep trade lines open in spite of the recent security challenges.”
   Since March, USDA has suspended activities at three different livestock inspection stations in northern Mexico, due to security concerns related to drug cartel violence. USDA took this action to protect the safety of veterinary personnel who traveled into Mexico to inspect and clear shipments of cattle destined for the United States.
   USDA has diverted shipments to other ports in the area. Additionally, to resume regular import activities as quickly as possible, USDA identified two new, temporary locations inside the United States at the border crossings of Pharr-Hidalgo and Laredo, Texas. Operations at the location near Pharr resumed May 12, while Laredo operations resumed May 18.
   Since the Piedras Negras/Eagle Pass port is a major cattle-crossing area, USDA signed a lease with Amistad Pens for a temporary facility in Eagle Pass on Oct. 7. The Amistad Pens are expected to begin accepting shipments of cattle from Mexico by the end of October.
   'In identifying possible sites for temporary locations, USDA must ensure that imported animals are appropriately inspected to safeguard U.S. agriculture,' the department said. 'This means that sites must have the appropriate handling and dipping facilities, can meet the anticipated volume of animals, and are readily accessible to cattle brokers and dealers.'
   USDA continues to work closely with the State Department to identify ongoing security concerns. No additional closures are planned at this time. ' Chris Gillis