BSE was confirmed in the region of Brazil last week where USDA has proposed allowing imports of animal products. As a result the National Farmers Union and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association have sent a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack asking USDA to withdraw its proposal to relax restrictions on imports of animal products from Brazil. Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns agrees that caution needs to be exercised before USDA proceeds.

Brazil also has a long history of foot and mouth disease outbreaks among livestock. So Johanns says this proposed rule to allow Brazil imports warrants close scrutiny by USDA before further action is taken.

Farm groups believe agriculture would suffer tremendously if an animal disease outbreak were to occur in the U.S.