# USDA

~ AUG - q 2005

Dnn•d statoe . Dr. Jorge Amaya Dep•rtrnent of AeNeam,n. . President

EI Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) Antrnal and Plant Heatth Inspedlon Paseo Coldn 367; 9° Piso
Se "" 0B Buenos Aires, Argentina

Washirplon, DC Dear Dr. Amaya: 20250 I greatly appreciate the hospitality and cooperation you and your staffprovided the

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) site visit team on its recent trip to 

### Argentina.

In our July 7, 2005, letter we indicated that we would request additional information about the impact of the recent strike by SENASA personnel. We understand that a large percentage of SENASA personnel participated in the strike, which might have reduced the effectiveness of the veterinary infrastructure.

Please provide comments and information related to the following issues and questions: • The history of strikes (including dates and duration) against SENASA during the past 3 years. Did any strike affect the provision of emergency services? If so, what functions and services were affected and for how long? • Provisions made for reporting animal diseases (e.g., emergency telephone numbers, electronic notifications) in the event of a strike. Are personnel available during strikes to receive reports of outbreaks and take appropriate action if an 

### outbreak occurs? • Individuals or the types of work conducted by the individuals who participated in the 2005 strikes. What pariicular activities were affected by the strikes end how were they affected? SENASA officials indicated during the site visit that the strikes affected trade, but not animal health. Please explain that statement. • During the visit, you indicated that "essential services" continued during the 2005 strikes. Please provide the definition of "essential services." Please indicate the number of veterinarians, technicians, and clerical staff that were available at headquariers, field offices, border inspection posts, slaughterhouses, livestock markets, and other relevant locations to conduct these services during the weeks in which the strikes occurred. Please also provide the same personnel information for the week of May 30, 2005, so we make a comparison. • Volume of animal traffic (e.g., movement permits issued, animals sold in markets) during the week of the strikes (April and May 2005) in comparison to the week of May 30, 2005.

~ Sebpuertlrp Amencan AqrlcuPUre Federol Relay Service ' APHIS Ls an apency ol USDA'e Markeana and R•pUabry Pruprann (VdiCe/rTYIASCIIISpanilh)

An Equal Oppatuniry Provider and Enpbyer 1-800-877•8339Dr. Amaya

Information for the border posts listed below during the weeks of the strikes and the week of June 3, 2005, about (1) volume of traffic by type (e.g., passengers, shipments of animals or animal products); (2) number of animals or amount of . animal product material confiscated or refused; and (3) number of SENASA . 

### inspectors on duty. .. o Province of Salta: 

### o Salvador Maza o Aguas Blanca o Province of Entre Rios: • Puerto Internacional Salto Grande Formosa • Puerto Intemacional San Ignacio de Loyola, Clorinda Jujuy • Puerto International Ingeniero Guzman, La Quiaca Corrientes • Puerto Intemacional Getulio Vargas, Paso de los libres

In addition, please provide information on your foot and mouth disease (FMD) awareness efforts for producers, farm personnel, and private veterinarians in thc regions located in the North, North-West, and North- East regions of Argentina. Please be advised we may also request additional clarifying infotmation as we continue to evaluate your FMD status

Thank you again for your patience and cooperation. APHIS appreciates the openness that . Argentina has demonstrated, and we look forward to working with you to conclude this process.



### Sincerely,



# ~ ~ 

# O John R. Cliffor Deputy Administrator Veterinary Services