For Release: July 18, 2005

U.S. Border Reopens to Livestock Shipments
Live Cattle Shipments Resume For First Time Since May 2003

TORONTO - The Ontario government congratulates the hard work by producers and officials that has paid off with the reopening of the U.S. border for live cattle shipments, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky said today.

"I am thrilled to see cattle moving across the border today," Dombrowsky said. "This is a major step forward. And while I realize there may be more challenges ahead, our agricultural sector has been waiting for this for over two years."

The minister noted that a Montana judge will hear arguments on July 27 and could impose a permanent injunction on cross-border trade.

The U.S. border was closed to livestock after a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was found in Canada in May, 2003.

"The McGuinty government will continue to work aggressively with federal officials and the cattle industry to ensure that the border remains open and that our food system remains safe," said Dombrowsky.

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Contact:
Art Chamberlain
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

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