The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to recognize Mexico as free of classical swine fever. The proposal replaces a previous proposal by APHIS that would have recognized Mexico as a low-risk classical swine fever region. Since USDA’s original proposal, Mexico has asked for enhanced evaluations by USDA. With results from the most recent site visits, USDA determined that current conditions support classical swine fever-free recognition for all of Mexico, according to Meatingplace. This newly proposed action would release classical swine fever-specific restrictions on the importation of pork and pork products from Mexico, while continuing to protect the United States against the swine disease, according to USDA. APHIS is inviting public comments on the evaluation for 60 days. APHIS will then review and consider the comments received and make a final determination.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.