Local impact of border shutdown light

On Tuesday, May 20, the United States closed the northern border to imported beef, whether on the hoof or in the box, because of a single reported case of BSE. BSE, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, is more commonly known as "Mad Cow Disease," and is spread by cattle ingesting infected animal proteins. The USDA outlawed the use of animal proteins for cattle feed in 1997. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said, in a press release, that it appears to be an isolated case of BSE and appropriate measures are being taken to investigate and isolate the disease. "Information suggests that risk to human health and the possibility of transmission to animals in the United States is very low," she said. Veneman also reported that in 2002 the USDA tested 19,990 head of cattle for BSE in their program of surveillance for herd and health threats. Locally, response to the closure of the Canadian border has been almost nonexistent. Heely Livestock Marketing of El Dorado Springs reported that live cattle prices were steady for their Wednesday sale. "The price was as good last week as it had been for the last couple of weeks," said Ray Heely. Heely also said that demand was strong and cattle moved along nicely. Local cattleman Hayden Morgan agreed that the impact on the markets will be light. "I don't think the market is going to be affected," said Morgan. He said that while there was a one-day effect on the futures market the cash market had maintained steady. However, it may take awhile to see if consumption drops. There has been no impact in the local supermarkets. Jamie Harper, of Ramey's meat department, said "There has been no response at all." Harper reports that while beef sales have slacked off this week, it has nothing to do with the closure of the Canadian border and no one has asked about BSE beef. Heely thinks that the Canadian border's closing will help the U.S. cattle markets is the future. He said that this is going to keep prices up by keeping supply down.