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NCBA, NPPC like traceability plan

The nation’s largest cattle and hog organizations are applauding the final animal disease traceability rule from USDA. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says it’s important that the rule didn’t come with additional costs and won’t hinder the speed of commerce.  Most important to cattle producers, NCBA says, is the announcement of separate rulemaking for beef cattle under 18 months of age. 

The National Pork Producers Council also offered praise, calling the program vital to the pork industry’s ability to more quickly control and eradicate foreign animal diseases and keep export markets open.

USDA plans to publish the new rule in the December 28 Federal Register. Its provisions will take effect 60 days later, on February 26, 2013.