BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's congressman is objecting to a government agency's proposal to allow beef to be imported from Argentina despite concerns over contamination from foot-and-mouth disease.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., voiced concerns in a statement Friday about the proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Inspection Service.
"Allowing beef imports from the Patagonia region of Argentina would risk the spread of an extremely contagious livestock disease," Cramer said. "My concerns about this rule echo those of cattle ranchers across North Dakota who want to protect the health and safety of their herds."
The North Dakota Stockmen's Association also has voiced its opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about "the incomplete and undocumented site reviews USDA conducted to prepare this information and the lack of a quantitative analysis of the data," according to the release.
Cramer asked for an extension of the comment period on the rule, which also would allow beef to be imported from 14 states in Brazil.
ADVERTISEMENT
The public can submit comments until Oct. 28. To comment, visit www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;DAPHIS-2014-0032 .
