WASHINGTON – In response to some dairy cattle in eight states testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza as of April 15, trade officials in Colombia, SA, have restricted the import of US beef and beef products from those states, according to a notice posted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on April 22.

The products include fresh and frozen beef and beef products derived from cattle slaughtered on or after April 15 in the following states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas. The FSIS said shipments of beef may still be held at the port if exporters have a valid import permit.

Earlier in the week the USDA announced restrictions on dairy cattle transported between states, including requiring them to be tested for HPAI and mandatory reporting of cows that are infected with the virus.  

Trade officials in the United States said Colombia’s ban is unfounded.

“The restrictions Colombia has imposed on US beef as a result of the recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) findings in lactating dairy cows have no scientific basis,” said a spokesperson with the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). “Colombia is the only country that has officially restricted imports of US beef. USMEF is encouraged that the vast majority of our trading partners are following the science on this matter.”  

According to USMEF, the United States is Colombia’s biggest supplier of imported beef, adding that suspending imports from certain states is “unworkable and misguided.”

“It has created uncertainty for Colombian importers and their customers as well as their suppliers and will greatly disrupt trade. USMEF appreciates the efforts of the US government to address Colombian officials’ concerns and we are hopeful that this matter can be resolved as soon as possible,” the trade association said.

 According to USMEF, shipments of US beef to Colombia in 2023 were valued at $40 million, a relatively small percentage of total exports, which were $10 billion for the year.