Mexico          | Weekend Update: Border Reopens Friday, Certain Liv...

Mexico         

Weekend Update: Border Reopens Friday, Certain Live CattleExport Restrictions Remain

Preliminary serology (blood) tests are negative for antibodies of Foot and Mouth Disease. Preliminary serology results, however, were positive for bovine papular stomatitis, which is occasionally found in young cattle and is not a foreign animal disease.  It is endemic to the United States and, if confirmed, would not jeopardize U.S. livestock exports. Confirmation tests are ongoing and should be available early next week.

USMEF-Mexico reports that a memo from SAGARPA states that the border is now open, though it remains closed to live cattle from the following six Texas counties (where suspect cattle are believed to have originated): Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto and Erath.

While the SAGARPA directive should mean that the border is now open to all products, difficulties and delays may still be experienced at the border early Monday, but are expected to return to normal during the day.

FMD Rumor Closes Border — Test Results Negative

Animals in an export holding facility at Nogales do not have foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), according to preliminary results from USDA's Plum Island research facility. The border was closed to cattle, hogs, meat and milk products throughout much of the day Friday, although trucks were reportedly moving again Friday afternoon. Clinical observations lead Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to believe the animals' condition is not likely to be an exotic vesicular disease. In addition, USDA officials in Washington who saw photographs of the animals said the lesions would be those seen due to trauma from eating rough grain, brambles or cacti. Nonetheless, blood samples and fluid from the oral lesions were sent to USDA’s Plum Island facility for immediate identification. Preliminary serology tests were negative for antibodies of Foot and Mouth disease, but positive for bovine papular stomatitis, a not-uncommon disease of young cattle that is not considered a zoonotic. Confirmatory test results will be complete Saturday.

Members should be advised, however, that extensive delays are still likely on Monday.

Mexico         

Weekend Update: Border Reopens Friday, Certain Live CattleExport Restrictions Remain

Preliminary serology (blood) tests are negative for antibodies of Foot and Mouth Disease. Preliminary serology results, however, were positive for bovine papular stomatitis, which is occasionally found in young cattle and is not a foreign animal disease.  It is endemic to the United States and, if confirmed, would not jeopardize U.S. livestock exports. Confirmation tests are ongoing and should be available early next week.

USMEF-Mexico reports that a memo from SAGARPA states that the border is now open, though it remains closed to live cattle from the following six Texas counties (where suspect cattle are believed to have originated): Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Parker, Palo Pinto and Erath.

While the SAGARPA directive should mean that the border is now open to all products, difficulties and delays may still be experienced at the border early Monday, but are expected to return to normal during the day.

FMD Rumor Closes Border — Test Results Negative

Animals in an export holding facility at Nogales do not have foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), according to preliminary results from USDA's Plum Island research facility. The border was closed to cattle, hogs, meat and milk products throughout much of the day Friday, although trucks were reportedly moving again Friday afternoon. Clinical observations lead Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to believe the animals' condition is not likely to be an exotic vesicular disease. In addition, USDA officials in Washington who saw photographs of the animals said the lesions would be those seen due to trauma from eating rough grain, brambles or cacti. Nonetheless, blood samples and fluid from the oral lesions were sent to USDA’s Plum Island facility for immediate identification. Preliminary serology tests were negative for antibodies of Foot and Mouth disease, but positive for bovine papular stomatitis, a not-uncommon disease of young cattle that is not considered a zoonotic. Confirmatory test results will be complete Saturday.

Members should be advised, however, that extensive delays are still likely on Monday.