Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Supports Halting Paraguayan Beef Imports Due to Health Risks
KOKH - December 15, 2023 6:17 am
Oklahoma agriculture secretary supports halting Paraguayan beef imports due to health risks. Photographer: Imke Lass/Bloomberg via Getty Images
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur signed a letter pushing U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to pause the implementation of a rule that would allow the importation of beef from Paraguay. Other agriculture leaders from Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
The Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay, a final rule determined by USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is set to go into effect Thursday, Dec. 14.
“While trade is important to our industry, disease risks, and animal health are critical considerations in the process of building a trade relationship,” Arthur said.
Paraguay has been impacted by Foot and Mouth Disease, most recently in 2012.
“We take foreign trade and animal health very seriously,” said Arthur. “Which is why beef imports from Paraguay have been historically prohibited.”
“Oklahoma is one of the nation’s leaders in beef cattle production. An animal disease outbreak in the U.S. would severely impact the beef industry, taking a toll not only on consumers but the farmers and ranchers who work to make sure we have the most affordable and safest food supply in the world.”
“I join my fellow agriculture leaders in surrounding states opposing the importation of beef from Paraguay until USDA-APHIS completes a thorough and up-to-date inspection of Paraguay’s ability to mitigate animal disease risks.”
