APHIS Allows Ovine Meat Imports from Uruguay

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a final rule to allow imports of ovine meat from Uruguay, effective Nov. 29, subject to strict conditions to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). The requirements include veterinary inspections of the sheep before and after slaughter, periodic inspections of facilities by APHIS representatives, and a certificate from the government of Uruguay. Sheep from regions where foot and mouth disease has been present in their lifetimes would not be eligible for import. And if foot and mouth disease is found in Uruguay, a ban on imports of ovines from Uruguay would come into effect for 12 months, APHIS said.