Colombia restricts beef imports from the United States, agency reports | Livestock

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced, this Thursday (25/4), that Colombia is temporarily restricting the import of fresh or frozen beef or products derived from cattle slaughtered in States where cases of avian influenza in flocks. The information is from Dow Jones Newswires.

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According to the publication, Colombians are not among the main buyers of American beef. Last year, business totaled US$39 million. The country’s total foreign sales amounted to US$10 billion.

However, representatives of the United States livestock sector believe that the South American country’s decision could have a negative impact on other markets. To Dow Jones, US Meat Exporters Federation spokesman Joe Schuele said the measure “has no scientific basis”.

“While Colombia is not a major destination for U.S. beef, this is certainly disruptive for exporters as there are other customers that could be impacted,” he said. The Federation warned of a possible reduction in beef shipments to the Dominican Republic.

The USDA and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which negotiates trade agreements with foreign governments, have not commented on the matter, according to Dow Jones.

Avian flu in cattle is a concern

American authorities have already confirmed cases in 33 dairy herds in eight states. Before the initial cases, which were identified in Texas and New Mexico in late March, cows were not known to be infected. Cases have also been identified in Kansas, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and South Dakota.

The Dow Jones report highlights that concern has increased in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it has identified high concentrations of avian influenza viruses in raw milk and traces in pasteurized product. The agency denied, however, that these traces do not appear to be capable of causing infections.

Federal authorities have said the supply of milk and beef is safe. In any case, uncertainty regarding the effects of bird flu on American dairy production affects the market. On the Chicago stock exchange, Class 3 milk, used as raw material for cheese production, rose to reach the highest price levels in months.

There has been no confirmation of the virus in commercial beef animals, according to the USDA, and the FDA says it has not received reports of symptoms in livestock, reports Dow Jones.

Until now, the publication recalls, the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) has not recommended blocking beef imports in light of the outbreak of the disease in American cows. In a recent statement, it warned member countries against implementing “unjustified trade restrictions”.

Federal order

On Wednesday (24/4), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement with measures to protect cattle herds against avian influenza, especially the H5N1 strain, with a high transmission potential. The federal order comes into force next Monday (29/4), informed the American government agency.

Before any movement of livestock between States, the livestock must test negative for bird flu in a government-accredited laboratory. In case of a positive diagnosis, livestock farmers must provide all epidemiological and animal transit information. Laboratories and veterinarians must report all positive test results to USDA.

“The new circulation of H5N1 among wild birds and dairy cows requires further testing and time to develop critical understanding to support any future actions. This Federal Order is essential to increase the information available. Requiring positive test reports will help the USDA better manage this disease and testing before interstate movement will limit its spread,” says the USDA.

In the statement, authorities highlight that, in places where dairy cows have been infected, the mortality rate is low and that infected animals are recovering. They also emphasize that no mutations have been found that make the virus more transmissible from animals to humans or between humans. The USDA therefore maintains the assessment that this risk remains low.