Governor orders inspection of Canadian beef
By BOB ANEZ
Associated Press
HELENA - With Canadian cattle beginning to be trucked across the U.S. border again, Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Thursday ordered that all animals destined for Montana must be checked to ensure they comply with new federal restrictions.
Veterinarians, acting on behalf of the state Livestock Department, will inspect cattle to determine if they are younger than 30 months, not pregnant and have the mandated "CAN" brand, Schweitzer said. Owners of the cattle will be required to pay the cost of the inspections, which the governor estimated would be $3-$5 a head.
Schweitzer, a rancher himself, cited lingering concerns about the potential for spread of mad cow disease from Canadian cattle.
"I am committed to the ranchers and consumers in this state," he said. "We will take every precaution available to us to protect Montanans and the Montana cattle industry."
He said he will urge governors in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming to take similar action.
