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October 6, 2000
Comments sought on
Uruguayan cattle imports
By Lana Robinson
Field Editor
Texas Animal Health Commission officials confirmed rumors that Uruguay is seeking USDA approval to begin sending 3,000 head of cattle a month to a Sudan feedlot beginning in January. In anticipation of USDA-APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) requesting the TAHC position on having a privately-operated quarantine facility in Texas to receive Uruguayan cattle, probably through the Port of Houston, the state animal health agency is seeking input from the industry.
"It is important that TAHC know the thoughts of each segment of the cattle industry," said Bill Powers, TAHC lobbyist, indicating that communications between Texas Farm Bureau and other industry associations with respect to potential animal health issues and TAHC commissioners is important.
TAHC was first contacted regarding possible imports in mid-August, when Horacio Golfarini, on behalf of Urchitano Cattle Company in Houston, made a call to retiring state veterinarian, Dr. Terry Beals. According to Powers, Golfarini indicated he had potential customers in Texas who want to import feeder steers. In a follow-up letter to Dr. Beals, Golfarini noted that USDA has said that bluetongue (BT) is the only disease left for Uruguay to be officially declared "free of" by the United States. The Urchitano Cattle Company representative further stated that Uruguayan authorities have issued a report applying to "free of bluetongue" vector status, and if this status is obtained, the conditions for quarantine would be greatly reduced. Golfarini also requested a meeting with Dr. Linda Logan-Henfrey, the new TAHC executive director.
"I understand that USDA is currently rewriting their health protocol standards," said Jon Johnson, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. "Right now, the cattle have to be under quarantine for at least 90 days, to meet all the necessary requirements. I'm not sure what the new standards will call for."
TAHC's Powers said a veterinarian representing Sudan Feed Yard has been in contact with USDA about procedures for getting approval for an import quarantine facility.
Dr. Roger Perkins of the National Center for Import/Export said Dr. Alfonso Torres, deputy administrator of USDA's Veterinary Services, will support a pilot project for importation of cattle from Uruguay which adequately addresses health issues and provides for trade. Such a project must have the buy-in of State animal health authorities, said Perkins.
Perkins advised that all privately-operated quarantines proposed for a pilot project will require concurrence of the State livestock health officials for USDA approval.
In a telephone conversation with Perkins on Aug. 30, Dr. Beals declined to make a commitment to host Uruguayan cattle under any arrangement, emphasizing that TAHC needs to know the thinking of Texas industry groups before responding.
On Sept. 21, the agency issued a letter advising Texas Farm Bureau and Texas cattle groups of developments and seeking input.
Powers said TAHC staff believes it is possible that a proposal for a pilot project will be generated in Texas.
"Until the FMD (foot and mouth disease) situation in the South American countries in close proximity to Uruguay is better understood, TAHC should not have to make a decision regarding a quarantine facility," said Powers. "But if and when USDA determines that FMD is not an issue for Uruguayan cattle, decision time for TAHC could be on the front burner."
