Bill to ban Argentine beef introduced in Senate

Washington - A bill was introduced into the U.S. Senate July 10 that would counteract a U.S. Department of Agriculture proposal to allow the importation of beef from a region in Argentina - a country that has not yet eradicated foot and mouth disease FMD).

Senators from South Dakota, Wyoming and South Dakota gained support from other legislators from states that rely heavily on livestock to fight the rule, which could cost billions of dollars.

The Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008 was created in response to concerns from farmers and ranchers that the USDA rule could put their livestock at risk, according to Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D), one of the bill's sponsors.

The USDA historically has not permitted the importation of meat from any part of a country that still is fighting FMD, adds North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgon, a co-sponsor.

The proposed Senate bill would block shipments of meat from Argentina until it eradicates FMD, an airborne livestock illness that could bring livestock commerce "to a standstill," according USCA President and California rancher Jon Wooster.

The American Veterinary Medical Association classifies FMD as the most economically devasting livestock disease, he says. Kansas State University estimates an outbreak in that state alone would cost about $1 million.