Daily News Update, Jan. 02, 2008

Nebraska Ag Department issues import order on cattle

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has issued an import order to help protect the health of Nebraska's livestock as a result of Trichomoniasis infections in surrounding states. The order went into effect Jan. 1, 2008.

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle that is known to cause infertility, open cows, and occasional abortions in cows and heifers.

"The health of the livestock in our state is of utmost concern to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Trichomoniasis is a disease of concern to Nebraska's beef and dairy producers; therefore, it is extremely important to have regulations in place to help safeguard our animals, as well as our livestock production industry."

The import order is in addition to the current Nebraska Animal Importation Act and includes important importation requirements for beef and dairy animals before being imported into Nebraska.

Individuals that are planning to import cattle into the state should contact the NDA, Bureau of Animal Industry at (800) 572-2437 for more information.

The complete import order can be found on the NDA website at www.agr.ne.gov, under Animal Health.