These conditions apply only to the 2000 PEI potato crop and are designed to mitigate the risk of spreading potato wart disease. Exports to the U.S. could begin as early as April 30. This agreement has been made based on scientific principles that will ensure safeguards are in place to protect against the spread of this disease. This action will strengthen the tuberculosis eradication effort in the United States. The additional testing requirements will help ensure that imported cattle are free of tuberculosis and help protect the U.S. cattle industry from the disease.
Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious, infectious, and communicable disease.
It affects cattle, bison, deer, elk, goats, and other species, including humans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to add new fields to the list of areas regulated for Karnal bunt following the detection of bunted kernels in harvested grain. USDA is also proposing to remove certain fields from the list of regulated areas where wheat is no longer grown or where the wheat has tested negative for Karnal bunt. These actions would help prevent the spread of Karnal bunt into noninfested areas of the United States while removing restrictions where they are no longer warranted. Karnal bunt is a fungal disease of wheat that is spread by planting infected seeds.