04/25/06 Johanns on BSE minimal risk rule

American Rancher April 25, 2006 Two recent cases of BSE in Canada have slowed USDA's plans for issuing a new rule on trade in beef and cattle over 30 months of age, but Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns still wants to move forward. Johanns: "We said, not this case but the prior case, that that time was going to slip some just simply because we needed to gather the information but having said that I am still very committed to getting it done." Currently only cattle, sheep and goats under 30 months of age are allowed to be imported into the U.S. from Canada. R-CALF USA's Bill Bullard says his organization believes even that trade should be stopped. Bullard: "The border should be temporarily closed. Canada should be required to increase its surveillance testing so we can get a handle on just how widespread this disease is. And then take additional mitigation measures to protect our U.S. cattle herd." Bullard says R-CALF could still appeal a decision denying a permanent injunction against Canadian cattle and it will work with congress on the issue. At question is the effectiveness of Canada's ruminant to ruminant feed ban. Canada's two most recent BSE cases have been in animals born after the beef ban went into effect. Bullard also says Canada's ongoing BSE problem means mandatory country of origin meat labeling, which has been delayed by congress, is more important than ever. I'm Bob Hoff.