Mexico to allow imports of U.S. breeding cattle

Apr 1, 2008 10:47 AM

Source: NCBA

Mexico has agreed to allow importation of breeding cattle from the United States and Canada effective as of March 28, 2008, Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer said.

Mexico denied access to U.S. breeding stock beginning Dec. 23, 2003, when the United States announced its first-ever case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Since that time, Mexico has only allowed importation of registered U.S. dairy heifers under the age of 24 months, despite in-depth international negotiations to include breeding stock.

When the United States implemented the second Minimal Risk Regions Rule on Nov. 19, 2007, it was widely believed that Mexico would lift the restriction on breeding stock. But the situation between the United States and Mexico on breeding stock remained unresolved until yesterday. Mexico continues to ban the import of beef and beef products from animals over 30 months of age.

Traditionally, the United States has shipped approximately $125 million annually in live cattle breeding stock to Mexico.

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