A final rule amending import regulations for animals and animal products with regard to BSE has been published by USDA.  It describes a new system for classifying regions in other countries as negligible, controlled and undetermined risk for BSE.  R CALF doesn’t like the rule and wants USDA to follow the Animal Health Protection Act.  CEO Bill Bullard says the agency needs to be tougher on import regulations so as to protect the U.S. from BSE.

Bullard says another problem area is with foot and mouth disease and other countries who have not done a good job controlling that disease. He says without our own stronger import rules, that could become a problem for the U.S.

The final BSE rule goes into effect March 4.