O.K., so this probably isn't really what most people are focusing on during election season. But it's big news, too.
Gov. Bill Richardson, on a trip to Mexico, announced that our neighbors to the south will again accept U.S. cattle. Mexico had shut the border to beef and beef product imports from the United States in the wake of the 2003 mad cow disease scare.
Cattle started crossing last night under an agreement with U.S. officials and the Mexican equivalent of the USDA.
“While we had to endure long and frustrating delays, I am pleased that New Mexico’s livestock industry will resume trade with Mexico,” Richardson said in a statement. “This is good news for our livestock industry and for our economy, which was unfairly impacted by concerns about unsafe beef.”
Since the ban, Richardson and New Mexico agriculture secretary Miley Gonzalez have started several programs to better track cows and improve cooperation with Mexican cattle officials aimed at stopping the spread of mad cow disease.
Cattle cross the border at Santa Teresa, through a livestock inspection facility that straddles the border. I spent a day there on assignment way back when, and it's quite the place. Weak and sick cattle on their way into the United States are weeded out, including with paint guns, before they can cross. Other cattle are checked for disease, and then dunked in a giant vat of insecticide. And I mean giant. It was like a swimming pool, big enough to fit at least two cows at a time.
Richardson is on a two-day trip to Chihuahua and Sonora states. He's already signed several cross-border initiatives and is set to speak later today at the 66th annual U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association Conference and meet with the governor of Sonora state, Eduardo Bours.
Gov. Bill Richardson, on a trip to Mexico, announced that our neighbors to the south will again accept U.S. cattle. Mexico had shut the border to beef and beef product imports from the United States in the wake of the 2003 mad cow disease scare.
Cattle started crossing last night under an agreement with U.S. officials and the Mexican equivalent of the USDA.
“While we had to endure long and frustrating delays, I am pleased that New Mexico’s livestock industry will resume trade with Mexico,” Richardson said in a statement. “This is good news for our livestock industry and for our economy, which was unfairly impacted by concerns about unsafe beef.”
Since the ban, Richardson and New Mexico agriculture secretary Miley Gonzalez have started several programs to better track cows and improve cooperation with Mexican cattle officials aimed at stopping the spread of mad cow disease.
Cattle cross the border at Santa Teresa, through a livestock inspection facility that straddles the border. I spent a day there on assignment way back when, and it's quite the place. Weak and sick cattle on their way into the United States are weeded out, including with paint guns, before they can cross. Other cattle are checked for disease, and then dunked in a giant vat of insecticide. And I mean giant. It was like a swimming pool, big enough to fit at least two cows at a time.
Richardson is on a two-day trip to Chihuahua and Sonora states. He's already signed several cross-border initiatives and is set to speak later today at the 66th annual U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association Conference and meet with the governor of Sonora state, Eduardo Bours.
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chasethestars
chasethestars
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Thanks
Kate
Edited at 2008-05-08 07:32 pm (UTC)