Senators push to block Argentine livestock imports

A bipartisan group of senators hopes to block importation of livestock from Argentina until it’s clear the nation is free of foot-and-mouth disease.

South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, a Democrat, and Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi, a Republican, introduced legislation Thursday to prevent livestock importation from Argentina until the U.S. Department of Agriculture can certify that it’s safe.

The region has seen outbreaks of the highly contagious disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle and pigs. It is a viral illness that can be spread through even minimal contact with infected animals, farm equipment or meat. It can be fatal to animals, but does not harm humans.

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Tagged as: Animals, Argentina, Cattle, Cows, Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Livestock, Pigs, South Dakota, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Viruses, Wyoming