10/18/07 State vet on Canadian cattle imports

Washington Ag October 18, 2007 Unless efforts to delay or stop it succeed, Canadian cattle over 30 months of age will be able to join younger animals already being imported to the United States starting November 19th. Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge says those older animals, like all cattle coming into the state, will have to meet Washington's animal health regulations and requirements. Eldridge: "Which is pretty much a permit and health certificate and then depending upon the breed and class of cattle whether they are vaccinated or tested for brucellosis and TB. But that is basically what we will be doing." Eldridge says individual animal identification of animals crossing the border will be important. Eldridge: "If you have two animals one's been tested, or one's had this another has had that. How do you know the difference unless you have individual animal identification." Eldridge says he would prefer something more permanent than an ear tag but he says that decision is up to the federal government. He does have more manpower to enforce the state's animal health laws thanks to funding approved in the last legislative session. Dr. Eldridge, who was not the state vet at the time, frequently points out that the cow from Canada found to have BSE in Washington in 2003 should not have been here because she did not meet the state's animal health requirements. I'm Bob Hoff.